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What Happens to the Federal Estate Tax Exemption in 2026?

Even for estates that may not be taxable today, planning ahead can provide significant tax savings and peace of mind.

May 16, 2025
Estate and Gift Taxes in 2018 after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) increased the federal estate tax exclusion amount from $5 million to $10 million indexed for inflation for decedents dying in years 2018 to 2025. This amount is indexed for inflation back to 2011.

February 5, 2018
The Family Healthcare Decisions Act in New York State

My mother is 87 years old. She is getting more confused each day and refuses to sign a health care proxy or power of attorney. What will happen if she becomes unable to manage her affairs?

January 17, 2018
Estate Accounting

There are many steps and layers associated with the administration of an estate. Ultimately, for most estates, the goal is to distribute the assets to the respective beneficiaries which are named in the decedent’s Will or are intestate heirs pursuant to the laws of intestacy.

January 12, 2018
Original Estate Planning Documents

Regardless of your age, the creation and maintenance of a thorough Estate Plan is essential. An Estate Plan ensures that your needs, your family’s needs, and financial goals are met during your lifetime and upon your death.

December 11, 2017
Disqualification of the Nominated Executor of a Will

The person selected to act as the Executor can be anyone that the testator wants to be in charge of administration of the estate. There is no requirement that the Executor have any experience or expertise in handling estate matters or have any financial background.

December 8, 2017
Probate a Will

My mother recently passed away and I cannot locate her original Will; I can only find a copy. Can I submit the copy to the Surrogate’s Court for probate?

October 2, 2017
IRA Beneficiaries

Many of our clients have retirement assets held in a Traditional IRA, 401K, 403(b), or other similar plan. It is important to periodically review the beneficiary designations on these types of plans.

September 18, 2017
Health Care Proxy Expiration

As the individual executing the health care proxy, also called “the principal,” you have the option to set an expiration date for your named agent’s ability to act. Whether your health proxy expires is a decision you must make at the time you sign it.

August 28, 2017
Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship

A few years ago my mom was diagnosed with dementia and recently she is having trouble paying bills on time. What is the best way for me to make sure the bills are paid?

June 30, 2017
Will Disinheritance

My spouse recently passed away and I just learned that he disinherited me in his Will. What rights do I have?

June 12, 2017