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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

What happens after the loss of a loved one? Beyond the emotional toll, settling an estate can introduce a series of intricate legal processes. Whether you’re dealing with probate or estate administration in New York, the decisions you make now can have a lasting impact on the legacies left behind.  If you’re here, you’re probably

Have you been asked about irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) and aren’t sure where to start?  For many insurance brokers, ILITs might sound like a complex and niche aspect of estate planning. However, understanding how ILITs work and the value they bring can open doors for better advising your clients. Whether it’s tax benefits, protecting

The thought of losing a loved one is difficult, and dealing with their estate afterward can add to the emotional toll. If someone in New York passes away without leaving a will, their property doesn’t just disappear—but the process for determining who receives it can be complicated and overwhelming. New York’s Intestate Laws Known legally