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My sister recently passed away and I just found out that I was named executor of her Will. I am really busy with my job and family and really do not want to serve. Can I decline or resign from being executor?

While discussing an estate plan with a client, she stopped me and said “What is probate.” Sometimes we forget to explain the simplest concepts. Probate is the process by which a Last Will and Testament is given effect.

I heard that there were changes to the STAR property tax relief program. Will I be affected? Does it matter that my house has been transferred into an Irrevocable Trust?

My dad signed a DNR when he was recently admitted to the hospital. Will this be effective when he is discharged back to his home?

My wife and I recently executed a Revocable Trust and re-titled our home and some bank accounts into the name of the trust, thinking that we had taken the first steps toward protecting our assets should one or both of us need Nursing Home care in the future. I just heard from a friend of mine that a Revocable Trust does not protect my assets and that what I should have considered was an Irrevocable Medicaid Trust, could you explain the difference?

I was recently named as an agent on my mother’s Durable Power of Attorney which included a “statutory gift rider.” What is this document and what responsibilities will I have?

I am listed as power of attorney on my mom’s bank account. Will I be able to access this money after she dies to pay for the funeral?

Nancy Burner, Esq., founder and managing partner of Nancy Burner & Associates, P.C., was selected by the Event Committee of Ride for Life to be recognized in the Business Category at the 19th Annual Honoree Recognition Benefit on March 15, 2016 held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.

Community Medicaid and Nursing Home (Chronic) Medicaid are two different programs that cover long term care. Community Medicaid will not pay for long term care in a nursing home. Community Medicaid is the program that covers care at home; such has a home health care aide.

I recently executed my will and other estate planning documents. I want to keep it in a secure location; however I am concerned that I may store it in a place where my executor cannot find it. What happens if the executor cannot find my will when I pass away?