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On Friday, February 6, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S138 (Assembly Bill A136), known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, marking a significant shift in New York’s approach to end-of-life decision-making.

In December 2025, Governor Hochul enacted the New York Electronic Wills Act – new legislation which creates a framework for wills to be executed, attested to, and filed electronically.

Each new year brings changes from both the federal and state governments that can affect estate planning, estate administration, and elder planning.

Different stages of life call for different goals. As 2025 ends, here are a few things to keep in mind depending on what season of life you are in. 

If you are outside of New York and you need someone to make financial and/or medical decisions for you, your Durable Power of Attorney (POA) and Health Care Proxy (HCP), which are tailored to New York law, are still valid in other states. 

Many parents want to transfer their home to their children during their lifetime. It may seem simple to sign a new deed and be done, but gifting real estate can have tax and legal consequences that may cost your family more in the long run.

With the help of the Santa Clause, you may be able to save on estate taxes while contributing to a cause you believe in.

Many families enjoy giving financial gifts to their children or grandchildren during the holidays. Whether it’s helping with education, starting a savings fund, or simply sharing some year-end generosity, it’s important to understand how these gifts fit into your overall estate and tax planning.

As our lives become more connected to technology, planning for digital property has become just as important as planning for tangible assets.

Minors cannot be left assets outright in New York. Minor beneficiaries must inherit in trust. If a minor inherits outright, a guardian must be appointed by the Surrogate's Court.