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How Does Life Insurance Affect an Estate Plan?

Planning with life insurance requires the advice of competent insurance professionals and estate planning attorneys to ensure the most advantageous outcome for you and your beneficiaries.

July 3, 2025
VA Planning

Most veterans are not aware of the benefits they are entitled to under the Veterans Administration. For example, there is a benefit referred to as the improved Pension through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), more commonly referred to as Aid and Attendance Pension.

May 4, 2018
Giving Your Estate Plan a Spring Cleanup

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?

April 25, 2018
Medicaid After the Budget

On March 31, 2018 the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo finalized the budget for the 2019 fiscal year. In January, the Governor’s office set forth a budget proposal.

April 11, 2018
Who Inherits My Property If I Die Without a Will?

I am an unmarried person and do not have any children. My parents died many years ago and I have no siblings. Who inherits my property if I die without a will?

April 6, 2018
New Medicare Cards

I heard Medicare will be issuing new benefit cards. Is there anything I need to do to order the new card or activate it once it comes in the mail?

March 16, 2018
Medicare or Medicaid…Who is Going to Pay?

This is a question we receive often. Navigating the maze of healthcare coverage can be confusing. For starters, a brief overview of the programs will help to demystify and clear some of the confusion.

March 14, 2018
Preliminary Executor

I am the nominated Executor under my mother’s Will, which my sister is in the process of contesting. I understand that a Will contest may be a lengthy proceeding. Is there any way I can be appointed to act on behalf of the estate while that proceeding plays out?

February 23, 2018
Article 17-A Guardianship vs. Article 81 Guardianship

In New York State, when a person turns eighteen, they are presumed to be legally competent to make decision for themselves. However, if a person is intellectually disabled or developmentally disabled, as defined by Article 17-A (“Article 17-A”) of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, a parent or concerned relative can ask the Surrogate’s Court to appoint a guardian to assume the decision-making functions for that person.

February 22, 2018
MOLST Form

My mother has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has specific wishes with regard to end of life decisions. She executed a living will and a DNR during her last hospital stay; however, she is concerned that her wishes may not be followed. Is there any other document that would ensure her wishes are carried out?

February 16, 2018
Estate and Gift Taxes in 2018 after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) increased the federal estate tax exclusion amount from $5 million to $10 million indexed for inflation for decedents dying in years 2018 to 2025. This amount is indexed for inflation back to 2011.

February 5, 2018

In The Media

News Mentions

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Thought Leadership

In the landmark case of Connelly v. United States, the Supreme Court addressed critical issues concerning the estate tax implications of life insurance proceeds used in the redemption of stock in closely held corporations.

June 17, 2025 Read Article

Our criminal courts protect victims. Our civil courts provide a forum for the peaceful resolution of disputes. Our family and surrogate’s courts guide families through what may be the most traumatic experience of their lives.

May 13, 2025 Read Article

As we reflect on the complexities of family law, let us work together to support our justices, understanding the weight of their responsibilities and the importance of their decisions.

May 13, 2025 Read Article

The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) is alive and well in the Elder law practitioner’s toolbox and is the best option for protecting real property.

May 13, 2025 Read Article

The federal government and the marketplace are undergoing revolutionary changes that will inevitably transform the business of law and operation of courts. The question arising from the uncertainty is, how so?

May 6, 2025 Read Article

In this guest post by Maria Torroella Carney, MD, FACP, learn what contributes to aging and what can be done to encourage healthy aging.

September 17, 2024 Read Article