Our Blog

When you’ve taken the crucial step of drafting a Will, it’s equally vital to prepare your chosen executor for what lies ahead. Informing them ahead of time ensures a smoother process during what can be a challenging period.

When diving into the world of trusts, a frequently asked question revolves around the tax implications: “Does my trust need to file a tax return?” The answer isn’t always straightforward and hinges on several factors related to the structure of the trust.

Britt Burner discusses the importance of basic estate planning documents for all generations, including health care proxies, durable power of attorneys and last will and testaments for both your own planning as well as aging family members.

Whenever a loved one passes, especially one that was depended on, it is often difficult for one to even consider the next steps, yet alone know what those steps are.

You should be checking on your accounts as often as you review your estate plan. In general, we recommend an estate plan review every three to five years. Any change in life circumstances or family, or changes in the law, will warrant a review of your plan as well.

Not all estates require a probate or full administration proceeding in New York State. A small estate proceeding, also known as a Voluntary Administration, is a simplified Surrogate’s Court procedure. Voluntary Administration is available if the decedent died with or without a Will.

Medicare never covers the full cost of a skilled nursing facility. Medicare does not always provide 100 days of rehabilitation, it will pay “up to” 100 days.

A Fair Hearing is how to challenge a determination made by a local social services agency (“Agency”). An Administrative Law Judge from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Office (“OTDA”) precedes over the hearing.

When purchasing investment property, it is better not to own the property in your personal name. Both a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and a Corporation (Corp) offer creditor protection.

The legalities surrounding a Last Will and Testament stem from Roman times, when six witnesses affixed their personal seals to a Will. The Will was later validated by examining these seals to make sure they remained intact.