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What Trustees Need to Know About Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts

Understanding the rules of the irrevocable trust and who can access the trust can be complicated. Here are some rules to keep in mind.

July 22, 2024
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples

Many traditional rights having to do with health care, taxes, and inheritance do not apply to unmarried couples, making estate planning even more important.

July 8, 2024
Gifting for Graduates

There are several factors in determining if a cash gift is a taxable event for the gift-giver. 

June 15, 2024
Spring Cleaning for Estate Planning

Partner Britt Burner, Esq. explains how often to review your estate planning documents and the life changes that may prompt a review.

May 1, 2024
Estate Tax Misconception

Many believe estate taxes are unavoidable upon death, but this isn't usually the case. In 2024, New York State has an exemption of up to $6,940,000, while the federal government's exemption is $13,610,000. Estates valued below these thresholds are not subject to estate tax.

March 7, 2024
Mediators: Navigating Family Dynamics and Promoting Harmonious Estate Planning Outcomes

Navigating family dynamics can often prove a difficult course to chart. We all experience the problems in solving even everyday issues in a harmonious way, like which new restaurant to try or which television program to watch. When the stakes are higher, involving potentially life changing inheritance decisions, a family may be well served by consulting with a trained mediator to help assure smooth sailing throughout the estate planning process.

February 27, 2024
Estate Planning for the Modern Family: The Intricacies of Evolving Family Structures

In today's diverse society, the definition of a “typical” family has evolved far beyond the traditional model of two spouses and their joint children. Blended families, long-term partnerships with children from previous relationships, and single-by-choice parents are now common.

February 26, 2024
Estate Planning for Artists: Legal Strategies for Protecting Artistic Legacies

In the realm of estate planning, artists face unique challenges. Their estates often comprise not only tangible artwork, but also a complex bundle of intellectual property rights. Understanding and effectively planning for the management of these assets is critical in ensuring that an artist's legacy is preserved and protected in accordance with their wishes.

February 13, 2024
The “Power” in a Durable Power of Attorney

In the realm of estate planning, a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) stands as a crucial document, empowering a designated individual – the agent – to manage your financial and legal affairs.

January 16, 2024
Do I Need an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust if I Own a Life Insurance Policy?

Q: What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, and do I need one if I own a life insurance policy?

December 19, 2023
What Does a Power of Attorney Do?

Question: What are the ways a Power of Attorney can help me?

December 18, 2023

Our Blog

Thought Leadership

Estate planning is all about preparation and ensuring that your assets are distributed in line with your wishes. It’s a comfort knowing your loved ones will be cared for just as you intend. However, life’s unpredictability sometimes throws a curveball. What if a beneficiary becomes disabled after you’ve finalized your estate plan?

September 8, 2023 Read Article

Estate planning involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes. One element that can add an extra layer of flexibility and protection to your trust is the inclusion of a Trust Protector.

July 14, 2023 Read Article

Everyone knows the statistics – almost 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Second and third marriages fail at an even higher rate.

May 15, 2023 Read Article

Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect an individual’s mood, thinking, and behavior. These conditions can affect a person’s ability to function in daily life and can vary in severity from mild to severe.

April 3, 2023 Read Article

When the SECURE Act passed in 2019, the biggest impact on estate planning was the elimination of the “lifetime stretch” for most beneficiaries of individual retirement plans (IRAs).

March 10, 2023 Read Article

We use the phrase “estate plan” dozens of times every day. It is useful for us attorneys because it describes a group of documents. Unfortunately, estate planning sounds much fancier than it is.

February 6, 2023 Read Article