New York and Federal Laws generally provide many advantages and protections for married individuals. For example, in New York a person may not disinherit his or her spouse. New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) Section 5-1.1-A provides a spouse with a Right of Election to take a portion…
As we begin 2011, we encourage you to take special care in planning for the welfare of a child with special needs. Consulting a New York City guardianship attorney is a great way to bring peace of mind to the issue of caring for a child or adult-child in your…
While many seek the advice of a New York City probate lawyer to establish a Will, trusts, or other estate plans, far too many will die intestate, without a Will or other directions for the dispersal of their estate upon their death. As we wrote recently on our New York…
There can be many benefits to avoiding the probate court process in the settling of an estate, including more privacy. Contacting an estate planning lawyer in New York City is a good first step toward putting your affairs in order as we begin 2011. This is the first of several…
The New York Probate Lawyer Blog has previously discussed the need for estate planning documents including a Last Will, Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney. Life Insurance can also provide a valuable estate planning tool. In its most fundamental function, life insurance can add a tremendous amount…
The New York Probate Law Blog previously talked about the importance of maintaining a Last Will in a safe and secure location. After investing the time and effort to develop an estate plan and finalize a Will and other estate planning documents such as advance directives, it would be unfortunate…
The Huffington Post reports that the owner of a popular Upper East Side restaurant has left the business to its longtime manager. New York estate lawyers frequently report here on our New York Probate Lawyer Blog about the challenge of leaving a business to heirs. Without proper estate planning, the…
Family gatherings around the holidays can make it clear that a loved one will need assistance to maintain his or her independence, or may even require an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Frequently, a New York power of attorney will be granted to friend or family member who…
A New York estate usually contains many different types of assets. These assets can include bank accounts, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts and real estate. A beneficiary’s interest in these assets is determined by the nature or manner in which these assets are owned or titled. For example, a bank…
On December 14, 2010, the New York Probate Lawyer Blog discussed the problems created when beneficiary designations are incomplete, confusing or ambiguous. These beneficiary designations can appear on many different types of assets such as annuities, life insurance, Individual Retirement Accounts, 401K benefit plans and other types of pension plans.…