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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.

An executor holds many important duties, and often must perform these obligations while navigating the grief of losing a loved one. Furthermore, complications such as advanced age or physical distance may make it difficult to perform the tasks required.

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.

When a person under the age of 18 is set to receive more than $10,000.00 as an inheritance under an estate, the New York Surrogate’s Court requires that a guardian be appointed to protect the minor’s property interest.

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.

You should know that anyone can nominate you as executor of his or her Will, but there are many factors that determine whether acting as executor will be a smoothly paved road or a bumpy one.