Author name: NY Wills and Estates

Blended families face some of the toughest estate questions: How do you honor bonds from a first marriage without leaving your new spouse or children from previous relationships feeling overlooked? Who inherits when family ties overlap? These questions are especially prevalent today, as over 50% of U.S. families are currently remarried or re-coupled (per the […]

If you’ve never stepped inside a Surrogate’s Court before, you’re not alone. For many New Yorkers, it’s the first place they visit after a loss, and where they learn how estates, wills, and probate really work.  Many people are surprised to learn that New York has a dedicated court that focuses almost entirely on estates,

When people think about estate planning, they often start with a will. However, for many New Yorkers (especially those with real estate, family-owned businesses, or growing financial assets), a trust can offer far more control, privacy, and long-term security. At the Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy P.C., we help New Yorkers make informed decisions about

When a loved one passes away, families in Manhattan and New York City often face a mix of grief and complex legal questions. One process that brings many people stress and confusion is probate—the legal method of settling someone’s estate after death.  With local courts in New York handling thousands of probate cases each year,

Estate planning involves much more than just writing a will and determining beneficiaries. If managed properly, estate planning is a way for families to secure generational wealth, provide for their loved ones, and avoid painful disputes down the road. However, finding the most ideal solution isn’t always a clear-cut path. Many families across the state

Estate taxes in the U.S. are designed to tax the transfer of wealth after death. At the federal level, they apply only to the “larger”  estates. But New York has its own rules — and they’re far less forgiving. At The Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, we’ve helped hundreds of NY residents manage their estates

Why Understanding Trusts Matters for Your Future in New York You’ve spent years building your life, your home, and your savings. Now you’re thinking about how to protect it all—not just for yourself, but for the people who matter most. For many New Yorkers, that means creating a trust. But when it’s time to put

The passing of a loved one often leaves families with more questions than answers. In New York, if someone dies without a will – or an invalid will – it can make a tough time even more difficult. According to a recent survey by Caring.com, it’s estimated that around 75% of Americans die without a

Life insurance isn’t just a product; it’s a solution that can completely transform how your clients (and their family members) approach estate planning. For brokers in New York, understanding the role that life insurance plays in estate planning can transform how you serve your clients and grow your business. Let’s take a closer look at