Thinking about a day when you won’t have the capacity to make decisions for yourself is difficult, but it’s something you should do. As an adult, it’s important that you have an incapacity plan in place that addresses what you want to have happen if you cannot take...
Estate Planning & Administration
How does being a new resident affect my estate documents?
You might have moved to New York recently to begin a new life with a new job or to start a family with a local resident. If so, now is a good time to think about the will, the power of attorney document or the health directive that you have brought with you. You may...
The importance of a health care proxy and agent
A health care proxy is one of the most crucial documents you can have in your estate plan. It's one document that just about any adult, regardless of their age, is wise to have.It details your wishes for your medical care – particularly things like under what...
What types of fraud can necessitate a will contest?
One reason that people need to contest a will is fraud. However, there are different types of fraud. Let's look at three common types.Fraud in the inducement: This is where a testator (the person writing the will) disposes of their property or revokes a will and makes...
How an estate plan helps your loved ones
If you've been postponing putting an estate plan in place, you're not alone. No one enjoys thinking about what will happen after they're gone. However, estate plans typically are largely for the benefit of those left behind -- or those who have to make decisions if a...
You can put an estate plan in place from home
In light of the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions now in place, you and your attorney can now put a comprehensive estate plan in place without leaving your home? This is particularly important for older people who may put off their estate planning because it's...
What you need to know before leaving your home to your kids
Even if you don't think you have enough money to warrant drawing up an estate plan, if you own a house in Brooklyn, you've likely got an asset that's worth a lot. If you intend to leave your home to one or more of your children, it's essential that you do it...
Gray divorce, blended families among estate planning challenges
What do professionals consider the greatest challenges to estate planning? That was the question asked by TD Wealth at an annual estate planning conference held in January. These professionals included attorneys, accountants, trust officers, accountants, wealth...
What’s wrong with do-it-yourself estate planning?
As you spend time with family over the holidays, you may start to think about what you want your children, grandchildren and others to inherit after you're gone. Even though that time may be a long way off, you realize it's best to be prepared.You may determine, for...
What you should know about heirs-at-law and intestate succession
If a person dies without an estate plan (at least a will), state probate laws determine which relatives inherit their estate, what portion of it and under what circumstances. These people are called "heirs-at-law."These are also the people who would have "standing" to...