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Category: Probate and Estates

Latest News

Should You Update Your Estate Plan After Buying Out-of-State Property?

Leaving instructions in your estate planning documents on how a seasonal property will continue to be used and/or owned after your death, can prevent friction amongst family members and ensure your investment can be enjoyed for decades to come.

July 15, 2025
What Happens if I Die Without a Will in New York?

Passing away without a Will is known as dying “intestate.” Many people mistakenly believe that if they die without a Will their assets go to the State.

February 25, 2022
Have you checked if you have unclaimed funds in New York state?

Did you know that banks, insurance companies, corporations and courts are required by law to report dormant accounts to the New York State Comptroller? These organizations must attempt to notify you by mail and publish this information in newspapers.

January 14, 2022
2022 Updates to Estate and Gift Taxes

The Build Back Better Act was passed by the House of Representatives on November 5, 2021 and is headed for the Senate. None of the major provisions that would have affected estate planning were included in the House version.

December 6, 2021
How much is an executor paid?

An executor is the individual appointed to administer someone’s Last Will and Testament. An executor of a New York estate is not expected to administer a decedent’s estate for free.

November 10, 2021
Leaving Assets to a Non-Citizen Spouse

Couples who are both U.S. citizens receive the benefit of the unlimited marital deduction on federal estate and gift taxes. The idea is that the surviving spouse pays any estate tax at their death. In contrast, transfers from a U.S. citizen to a noncitizen spouse do not enjoy this benefit.

November 8, 2021
“Per Stirpes” vs “Per Capita” Estate Distributions

Wills and revocable trusts often refer to the terms “per stirpes” and “per capita”. When you create a last will and testament, or a revocable trust, you choose specific beneficiaries to inherit your estate at your death.

October 6, 2021
What Every Spouse Needs to Know About Estate Taxes

The changing estate tax landscape makes it more important than ever for accountants and executors to file a federal estate tax return for portability when one spouse passes away.

September 20, 2021
Can a Trustee be Removed for Ignoring the Beneficiary?

Removing a Trustee is not easy. Removal of a Trustee takes more than a disagreement or general mistrust of the fiduciary to have him or her removed.

September 13, 2021
Do Grandchildren Have Inheritance Rights?

Grandchildren do not have automatic inheritance rights except under certain circumstances. In New York, the most common scenario where a grandchild may inherit is when a grandparent passes away without a Will and the grandchild’s parent is no longer living.

September 1, 2021
Is a Beneficiary of a Will Entitled to an Accounting?

Any beneficiary of an estate is entitled to an accounting from the executor or administrator of the estate. This is true whenever assets pass through Surrogate’s Court.

August 18, 2021