Couples often bring children into a marriage from a prior marriage or union and then have children together. This is often referred to as a blended family. Blended families highlight the need for careful estate planning to make sure the…
Successfully addressing and legally formalizing inheritance of family values and assets can be challenging, especially if parents wait too long to begin instilling family values. Undoubtedly the best time to teach and empower your children as eventual inheritors of your…
Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person's will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their inheritors / estate beneficiaries. After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid…
You may be asked to be power of attorney for a family member or friend. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of their affairs. For example, they might become disabled or incapacitated,…
There are two parts to a guardianship in New York. Someone can be a guardian of a person, or a guardian of property. Usually, the Court appoints both guardians, and quite often it is one and the same person. Adult…
An estate is all the property owned both individually and jointly, including bank accounts, real estate, jewelry, etc., including any liabilities, or simply debts, owed on that property. Lack of an estate plan may mean a great difficulty to carry…
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes upcoming changes to its social security program every October that take effect on January 1 of the next year. These changes can make a difference in how you plan for or live during your…
Whether you are starting from scratch or have an estate plan in place a letter of instruction (LOI) is an important part of any comprehensive plan. A letter of instruction can help your loved ones manage important information about…
I read that when making a will, I could leave my property to my children “per stripes.” Why is the law talking about us like we’re some kind of zebra? The phrase is Latin and it is “per stirpes,” not…
You have the right to decide what kind of medical treatment you want to receive from doctors and health-care providers. If you can speak up at the time, you can express your wishes yourself. But if you become incapable because…
