Monthly Archives: December 2024
Common Reasons to Update Your New York Will
A will is a critical legal document that ensures a person’s wishes regarding how their assets are distributed after they pass away are honored. However, a common mistake people make is drafting a will and then storing it away, never to think about it again. This can be problematic. In New York, like in… Read More »
What Happens if You Die Without a Will in New York?
The purpose of writing a last will and testament is primarily to control who gets your assets after you pass away. Who should inherit your house? Who should inherit your money? Who do you not want to get anything? But what happens if you die “intestate” – that is without a will? Some people… Read More »
Guardianship vs Power of Attorney: Understanding the Difference
In New York, guardianship and power of attorney (POA) are tools used to manage a person’s affairs when they cannot do so themselves. Both tools allow other people to make crucial decisions on behalf of other people. However, while these two tools may serve the same purpose (ensuring someone can make decisions on behalf… Read More »
PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW TRANSFER-ON-DEATH-DEEDS LAW
In April 2024, New York State adopted the new Transfer-On-Death Deeds (“TODD”) law. The law aims to simplify the transfer of one’s home to their heirs by bypassing the Court proceedings which are part of the probate process. Theoretically, this law succeeds at that because now a homeowner can list beneficiaries on a TODD. … Read More »