You don't have to use a trust with your estate plan in New York. You can simply divide your assets in your will and call it a day. However, there are some benefits to trusts that you may want to consider. First of all, you may want to begin distributing your assets...
People often overlook the fact that a will is usually one of the most commonly used estate planning tools. Generally, you will outline in your will the property and assets you currently possess, and how you want those items disposed of after you die. A last will and...
When you are an estate administrator, you realize what a big responsibility it is. You have so much responsibility that the task can become really daunting and use much of your energy. Executors and estate administrators are held to a very high standard of duty. The...
The fact of the matter is that many aspects of long-term care planning are so complex that it's best to leave them to a professional. What many people fail to realize is that attorneys who assist clients in elder law issues often have a greater understanding of how to...
Most New York residents are using Facebook these days, but did you know that Facebook can also be incorporated into your estate planning? One of the easiest things you can do is simply provide your login details to a trusted family member so that your family can have...
When you pass away, what happens to all your digital accounts? You have music on your computer, books on your tablet and online bank accounts. So what are you and your attorney going to do about an estate plan that includes your digital world? You may have a will that...
If you write up a will in New York and then don't have any major life changes -- like a divorce or the birth of another child -- you may just assume it still works. Some people sit on their wills for 10 or 20 years without changing them. However, the reality is that...
There are a lot of things to think about when considering estate planning. Most of us are primarily concerned with what will happen to our assets and property in the event that we should become unable to look after those interests on our own. Your pets can also be...
When New York residents hear the words "probate litigation," they tend to cringe. Even if they have never been through the probate process relating to a deceased relative's estate, they probably have the idea that it is something you want to avoid. However, there are...
Engaging in estate planning often requires careful consideration of many future contingencies. That is an important lesson highlighted by the recent deaths of Robin Williams and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Robin Williams's case in particular demonstrates the need to...
