Not making an estate plan in advance can have some very serious consequences for your family. This is problematic because statistics show that most people have not yet done their estate planning. That means their families could face a litany of issues that could’ve...
Estate Planning
Is it fair to leave your children different amounts in your will?
When you’re the parent of adult children who have very different personalities, experiences and needs, trying to divide your estate in your will amongst your heirs fairly can produce a lot of angst – because you know that “fair” and “equal” aren’t always the same...
How to create and preserve a meaningful family legacy
Family legacies can come in many forms. For those with ties to the land, a legacy might involve running a ranch or creating a public park with family lands. For others with an entrepreneurial spirit, a family legacy might involve a company that is run and owned by...
How parents can select the right guardian for their children
Becoming a parent is joyful and also terrifying. New parents often struggle with the weight of responsibility for being the primary provider for another living being. For the first few years, that new life is entirely dependent on outside support. Even after children...
Medical POA: Qualities to search out
A medical power of attorney gives you more security as you grow older. You can rest assured that someone you love is going to make your medical choices for you. The power of attorney is a legal document that gives them this ability. This is similar to using an advance...
What if you’re having a hard time picking your executor?
You know the executor of your estate has an important job (or several of them) after you’re gone. You also know that it’s important to pick someone who is competent, trustworthy, organized and willing to do the job. Fortunately, you have no shortage of people in your...
A spendthrift trust protects assets from creditors, beneficiaries
You want a thorough and sound estate plan. However, something bothers you, and that is your children’s relationship with money and their questionable decisions centered on money. You may describe such behavior has irresponsible and reprehensible, but you must keep...
What every late-in-life parent should know about estate planning
The timeline for becoming a parent is not the same for everyone. At the age of 48, you became a father. As a late-in-life parent, you will face the same challenges and tasks as any new parent. That means waking to feed the baby at all hours of the night and making...
Why do people draft two different powers of attorney?
Simpler isn't always better, especially when it comes to estate planning. People need to really consider their current risks and future needs when deciding what documents to include in their estate plans and how they structure those documents. Often, the inclusion of...
Does New York allow for the use of electronic or digital wills?
Traditionally, someone's last will is a handwritten document or at least a physical paper that they sign or make a mark on in the presence of witnesses. Adhering to state law during the creation of a will is crucial for those who want to have control over their legacy...

