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2026 Changes to Estate Planning and Administration in New York
Each new year brings changes from both the federal and state governments that can affect estate planning, estate administration, and elder planning.
Question: My spouse and I do not have any children of our own, but we have two dogs who we care for and treat as our children. We want to make sure they are taken care of should a time come when we no longer are able to and when we pass away. Is there any kind of estate planning we can do to make sure our dogs are cared for?
One of the most misunderstood planning strategies is that Retirement funds, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs should not name a trust as designated beneficiary. My clients are often advised to name individuals and not trusts, even minor or disabled beneficiaries.
I am the Executor of my father’s estate. I have collected the assets and paid the expenses and am ready to close the estate. How should I proceed?
Young adults may have the misconceived notion that estate planning is only necessary for certain people, such as individuals of a high net worth or those who are aging. However, there are certain documents that everyone should consider, including the youngest generation of millennials.
I was named as the Executor in my mother’s Will. Do I receive a fee for serving as Executor of the Estate?
Do I need an estate plan if I have no assets?
Question: Someone told me to avoid probate, so I have added my two children as joint owners on my bank accounts or put them “in trust for” my children. Does this protect my assets from Medicaid too?
New York State’s Durable Power of Attorney is a document in which a person referred to as “the Principal” can designate another person or persons referred to as “Agents” to act on their behalf with respect to all business and financial matters.
Planning for the future can sometimes be difficult. Creating an estate plan can give you the peace of mind you need, while also making it easier for your loved ones to handle your affairs when you die.
Spring cleaning has me thinking I may need to update more than my window treatments. What changes should I be making to my estate plan?
Our Blog
Partner Britt Burner, Esq. explains how often to review your estate planning documents and the life changes that may prompt a review.
