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My spouse and I each have children from previous marriages. While we want to provide for our surviving spouse when the first of us passes away, we want to ensure that each of our respective estates is ultimately going to our respective children. Is there a way to accomplish this?

My husband and I are expecting our first child. We do not have a lot of assets but we do have retirement plans, insurance policies and a house. Everyone keeps telling us that we need a Will. Is that necessary?

My son just turned 18 and is heading off to college in about two weeks. The college is located upstate. Are there any legal documents he should execute before he leaves?

Clients often ask this question and our answer is always the same, no matter how your property is titled it is still necessary to have a comprehensive Power of Attorney document in place. A Power of Attorney is a document in which a person (the Principal) can designate an Agent (an Attorney-in-Fact) to act on his or her behalf with respect to financial or legal matters.

As an Elder Law attorney, many clients consult with me with regard to trust planning to protect assets from the cost of long term care. However, many clients do not realize trusts can also be used to protect assets for your children.

For every IRA you should complete a beneficiary designation form. Keep a copy of the form(s) among your important papers. Do not rely on the financial institution to keep copies.

Individuals who have received benefits under the New York State Medicaid program are subject to estate recovery for all assets passing through their probate estate. This is a minimum requirement under Federal Law.

The fact that your aunt has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, does not necessarily mean that she cannot execute a power of attorney. While it may seem like a decision to be made by her doctor, it is actually the lawyer who will determine if she or he feels your aunt has capacity.