Category Archives: Estate Planning
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 »
Protecting Your Digital Assets in a New York State Estate Plan
In today’s digital age, a person’s estate is not limited to physical assets. Today, people own a variety of other assets that are not in a physical form. Some of these are, known as digital assets. Digital assets include social media profiles, cryptocurrencies, email accounts, etc. Our digital assets hold significant value, just like… Read More »
Spousal Refusal & New York Medicaid
In the U.S., the program that oversees most medical care for the elderly and disabled is Medicare, which offers coverage for many different types of service. That said, if a Westchester County resident needs long-term care, it is Medicaid that will cover those bills, assuming the person qualifies for benefits. Applying for New York… Read More »
Effective Asset Protection Strategies During The Medicaid Look-Back Period
When a Westchester County resident is seeking long-term care from Medicaid, too often they simply apply for care without planning properly, which can lead to many of their assets winding up in Medicaid’s hands instead of with their chosen beneficiaries. The far better option is to plan before the need for care arises –… Read More »
How To Tell If A Trust Is Right For My Estate?
When a person is starting their estate planning, their options can be overwhelming, and it is common to feel unsure about what may be best for their specific situation. A trust is one potential planning choice that is quite popular with many, but it is not always the best tool for everyone. It is… Read More »
Common Mistakes To Avoid In Estate Planning For Elders
New York estate planning is, in most situations, a fairly complex endeavor, and the stakes are high. You need the right Westchester County attorney to ensure that your wishes are respected and your assets go to the people you wish to have them. It is crucial that you and your attorney avoid the most… Read More »
Applying To Medicaid As A Married Couple Can Be Complex
When a person over the age of 65 decides to apply for Medicaid benefits, it can be a surprise to learn that in most cases, a married couple is treated as a unit for the purposes of income and other financial information. In some ways, seeking long-term care benefits as a married person is… Read More »