Estate Planning Blog
Legal insights, planning strategies, and important updates for New York families from the Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C.
What Is Power of Attorney? Why Manhattan Banks Reject POA Forms
Learn what is power of attorney, why Manhattan banks reject POA forms, and how to draft one that financial institutions will actually accept.
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What Is Estate Administration? Executor Duties in the First 90 Days
What is estate administration? Learn the executor duties Manhattan families must handle in the first 90 days, from filing probate to notifying creditors.
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How to Handle a Contested Probate With an Out-of-State Executor in Manhattan
Confused about what is probate versus probation? Learn how Manhattan Surrogate's Court handles contested probate cases with a nonresident executor.
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What Is a Special Needs Trust? First-Party vs Third-Party Explained
What is a special needs trust and which type fits your family? Compare first-party vs third-party trusts and how Manhattan families should plan.
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Revocable vs Irrevocable Trust: Mistakes Manhattan Families Make
Learn key revocable vs irrevocable trust differences and the mistakes Manhattan families make when setting up an irrevocable trust for asset protection.
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What Is a Living Trust? Living Trust vs. Will in Manhattan
What is a living trust and why do Manhattan residents still need a backup will? Learn how trusts and wills work together to protect…
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August Is Make a Will Month: What New Yorkers Should Know
August is Make a Will Month. Learn why it exists, how to prepare for estate planning, and what New York requires for a will…
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Can Family Override Your Wishes Without a Health Care Proxy in NYC?
Learn how to create a living will or health care proxy in New York and why family members can't automatically decide your medical care…
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How to Write a Will That Won’t Get Contested in New York
Learn how to write a will that holds up in New York's Surrogate's Court, plus the top reasons wills get contested and how to…
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Blended Families in Manhattan: Estate Planning Mistakes That Disinherit Stepchildren
Learn what is an estate and how New York law can accidentally disinherit stepchildren in blended families. Avoid these common Manhattan planning mistakes.
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How Much Do Elder Law Attorneys Charge? Fees Explained
Wondering how much do elder law attorneys charge? Learn typical fee structures, what drives costs, and how elder law differs from estate planning.
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What Is Guardianship? When New York Courts Require One
Learn what is guardianship, when New York courts require it, how to petition, and alternatives like power of attorney that can help avoid court…
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