Probate and Estates
Most people do not realize that a Will likely does not control who collects on a life insurance policy. The beneficiary named on the policy supersedes the Will. So long as the policy owner correctly designated a beneficiary on the policy, that designation controls. If you are the primary beneficiary If you are the primary […]
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In New York State, a parent has no obligation to leave an inheritance to a child. Many other countries have “forced heirship” which prohibits parents from disinheriting children, but Louisiana is the only US state with such a law. In New York, the only relative who cannot be disinherited is a surviving spouse. The surviving […]
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The word is defined as “the ability to be easily moved,” but in the context of Trusts & Estates, it means much more. In this regard, portability is one of the strongest tools in the planner’s toolbox to reduce or eliminate federal estate taxes after the deaths of a married couple. Federal Estate Tax Exemption […]
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Surrogate’s Court hears cases involving the affairs of decedents, the probate of wills, and the administration of estates. The Surrogate’s Court also handles certain types of guardianship petitions and adoptions. Every county in the State of New York has a Surrogate’s Court. When a person dies with a Will (testate), the nominated executor must file […]
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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. To start, there will be two professionals you’ll want to seek professional advice from. One is a Trust and Estates Attorney who can help review […]
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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. What Estates Qualify for a Small Estate Proceeding? Under Article 13 of […]
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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. Today, we use staples instead of seals, but because the Probate process remains so formal, many misconceptions exist. […]
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Pursuant to New York State law, you cannot completely disinherit a spouse. A surviving spouse at the time of a decedent’s death has a statutory right to inherit an “elective share” of the deceased spouse’s assets. A surviving spouse may elect against the deceased spouse’s estate in an amount up to $50,000 or one-third of […]
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One of the most disruptive proposals put forth last year by Congress was the elimination of the tax-free basis step up at death. Luckily for many of our clients, the legislation was never enacted. People all over the country benefit from basis-step up when they inherit low basis property which they can turn around and […]
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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. If there is a blood relative that can be located, the assets do not escheat to the State. New York EPTL 4-1.1 governs distribution of assets for those […]
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