While you may have very strong feelings about what others will do with your property when you die, your family members may already have their own expectations. It is surprisingly common for immediate family members to have a profound sense of entitlement when it comes...
Estate Planning
2 major considerations for creating a viable succession plan
A succession plan has a major influence on what happens at a business when an owner or executive leaves. Some people only start preparing the succession plan when they decided it's time to retire or they receive a job offer at another company. The problem with a...
Can you remove a guardian who doesn’t do their job properly?
When someone is subject to a guardianship in New York, the person in the role of guardian has usually presented a strong case in court showing that the adult requires the support of a guardian. Financial blunders and medical records are common evidence in guardianship...
Updating your estate plan to address economic changes
Your estate plan is largely a reflection of your values and your relationships. Your wishes may change when your relationships with different family members evolve over time. You may need to add more information to your estate plan as you acquire new property or add...
Can you prevent your family from challenging your will?
Your will should include the terms and conditions that matter most to you regarding the distribution of your property after you die. From providing the most valuable assets to your most valuable family members to carefully designating certain property to specific...
When cognitive decline can invalidate estate plans
Estate planning should start at a relatively young age, particularly if you have children. Wills should be updated after each major life event, such as the birth of children or grandchildren, divorce and the death of benefactors or an executor. There are instances...
When should you update your estate plan?
Your estate plan provides instructions about what you want to happen with your assets after you die. It also includes provisions for what happens if you become incapacitated. All terms are set based on your circumstances when the plan is created. For most adults,...
Does your estate plan require that you choose a remainderman?
Your largest and most valuable assets and your most significant financial liabilities will likely dominate the estate planning process. The same is true of making arrangements to provide for your closest and most dependent family members, like a spouse or a child....
How a special needs trust helps a child during your life
Funding a trust can give you peace of mind after your child's diagnosis with a permanent condition like Down syndrome or a brain injury from a car crash. A special needs trust helps ensure that your child will have the necessary supports to live a safe and comfortable...
Creating an estate plan is easier with your attorney’s help
Many people put off starting their estate plans because they believe that it will take too long or be too complicated. The truth is that it can be easy to put together an estate plan. There is a simple, straightforward method for handling estates of all sizes, and...

