No one wants to leave behind a mess for their loved ones to deal with. The goal of estate planning is to ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes and in the easiest possible way for your heirs. Unfortunately, should you pass away unexpectedly...
Preparing now for the future is a responsible decision that may safeguard your family and your wishes in the future. But what if an individual is single and does not have a spouse or any children? Who will safeguard that individual's future? According to a 2013 report...
Many people wrongly think of estate planning as a one-time event. For most people, however, life changes necessitate that changes also be made to important estate planning documents. While an individual may choose to update or revise estate planning documents for many...
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, every day across the U.S., an estimated 8,000 individuals turn age 65. This trend is expected to continue for the next several years as individuals who make up the baby boomer generation approach and live out...
We often provide information and advice related to estate planning in terms of establishing a will, trust or living will. However, every year millions of Americans are on the receiving end of those wills and trusts and must sort out what to do with inherited assets....
Many people wrongly assume that only very wealthy individuals or those with many assets and belongings need an estate plan. In reality, however, even individuals of modest means likely have sentimental possessions they wish to leave to children, grandchildren or close...
In our last blog post, we discussed the benefits of designating a power of attorney when planning for future financial needs and security. We also looked at how family members can gain conservatorship rights in cases where a loved one has failed to designate a POA. In...
With the aging of the populous baby boomer generation, more New York families are dealing with figuring out how to provide for the care and wellbeing of an aging parent or loved one. Individuals over the age of 65 are more likely to be impacted by a serious illness or...
Fifty years ago, the typical American family consisted of a man, woman and 2.5 children. In contrast, today’s American families readily include same-sex couples, divorced spouses, step-children and half-siblings. A more complex familial structure requires...
Throughout one's lifetime, the average man or woman will likely accumulate some amount of wealth. Upon one's death, depending on how this wealth was handled and distributed, it could be taxed or it could be tax-free. Proper estate planning can assist New York...
