In New York, when a person dies, it does not necessarily mean that the surviving spouse is automatically able to receive the proceeds of his or her estate. This is particularly important if the person died intestate. Not having an estate plan could lead to litigation...
In New York, a dispute over an estate can come about for many different reasons. One of the most common is if there is an item that is of significant value and parties are in dispute over who should inherit it and whether it should be retained or sold. When a legal...
For New Yorkers who are concerned about a will and its validity, a court battle might be necessary to settle the matter. This is especially true when there are significant assets at stake. With property and a valuable portfolio, it is vital that there be a valid will...
If you have an advance medical directive on file, you are ahead of the curve. Most Americans have not taken this step to ensure their wishes are upheld if they become incapacitated. If you have not created an advance medical directive as part of your estate plan, you...
Not everyone in New York takes the necessary steps to have an estate plan. There can be many reasons for this, but, regardless of why it happened, it is important for the family left behind to know how the law handles intestacy. After the person has died, there will...
As years go by in a marriage, it is not unusual to find married couples holding title to recreational property in another state. Perhaps it was a cabin in Vermont the family enjoyed while the kids were young. Or it might have been a condo for wintering in Tampa. But...
Regardless of their net worth and assets, New Yorkers can always benefit from having a comprehensive and well-drafted estate plan. However, there are mistakes that can upend any estate plan, no matter how much forethought the testator puts into it. This is true no...
One of the most complex situations in New York regarding an estate plan is when there is a legal dispute. Often, these come about because the testator changed their will to change or remove heirs. For people who are considering a will contest for any reason, having...
Estate planning is about protecting your plans and your legacy. It is about safeguarding your future and putting your wishes on record. To be successful, an estate plan should do more than just account for all of your assets. The best estate plans take into account...
Choosing an executor as part of your will is an often overlooked step. People naturally choose the oldest child or a sibling they are close to. They often fail to account for the reality of the role of executor. If you have never been in that position yourself, it is...
