The do-it-yourself crowd has access to tools that were unimaginable even a decade ago. Those tools can be powerful, but therein lies the problem. Power, in the hands of the inexperienced, can be disastrous. If you are considering creating an estate plan on your own,...
Year: 2017
Multiple issues can be addressed through estate planning
For New Yorkers who are thinking about the future and their estate plan, sometimes the most basic questions are the most important to answer. Such issues as an unexpected death, an injury or illness that leaves a person incapacitated, what happens to children if both...
An estate plan is not just for the wealthy
A frequent mistake New Yorkers make is failing to properly plan for the future. One integral part of that planning is to have an estate plan that covers for various contingencies. Many might be under the impression that drafting estate planning documents is something...
Elder law and the selection and financing of a nursing home
Dealing with an aging loved one in New York is never easy. So many issues will come to the forefront when it comes to protecting loved ones who are senior citizens. Deciding on whether assisted living or a nursing home is the best possible living arrangement,...
Estate planning and the value of a living trust
One of the most difficult issues that a person can face is linked with his or her mortality. Of course, it is an inevitable part of life, but that does not make it any easier. When drafting estate planning documents, New York families must be cognizant of certain...
Important points about a health proxy
New Yorkers who are concerned about the possibility that they might become incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions will want to consider a healthy proxy. This document is part of a well-crafted estate plan and should not be ignored. It is not just for...
Recognizing Fads In Estate Planning
There are basic elements to estate planning that are generally included in any comprehensive plan. But like any field, there are emerging trends, fads and misinformation that can alter a plan for better or worse. It is important to get reliable, cutting edge advice to...
One simple step to protect your loved ones
When you buy an insurance policy, open a bank account or set up a retirement account, you are required to designate a beneficiary. In some cases, you may be asked to choose a secondary beneficiary, but that is often not mandatory. As your life changes, you preference...
A trust can be litigated
Many Rochester, New York residents may have heard horror stories about families who go through long waits and a lot of hassle during the probate process and be told that they need a trust in order to "avoid probate." While it is true that having a trust cuts out much...
Life and death planning
The point of estate planning is not to dwell on your own demise. Estate planning involves many items that serve to improve your life, now and into the future. Of course, there are elements of estate plans that only come to fruition when you die, but there are worse...