Estate taxes are often misunderstood, yet they play a significant role in estate planning—especially for New Yorkers. These taxes are imposed by the Federal Government and some states when a person passes away. They are based on the total value of the person’s estate at the time of death. If you’re planning or helping a...Read More

One of the most common questions families ask after the death of a loved one is: “When will I receive my inheritance?” The honest lawyer’s answer is, It depends. While it would be nice if inheritances were paid out quickly and easily, the probate and estate administration process is rarely straightforward. Courts, paperwork, family dynamics,...Read More

For families in New York, a common question after a loved one passes is “How long does it take to get inheritance money?”. The answer is not straightforward, since the time to receive assets can differ widely based on the estate’s complexity, whether a valid will exists, any disputes that surface, and how efficiently the...Read More

If you have suffered the loss of your life partner, my heart goes out to you: few things in this world are quite as devastating. As a probate lawyer, I know grief can debilitate, and the ‘to-do’ list in the immediate aftermath can seem impossible to manage. Please understand: you need to give yourself a...Read More

This article will focus on some of the key parties to a trust.  There are generally three parties to a trust; the grantor, trustee, and beneficiaries. The Grantor or Settlor is the person that creates the trust.  This person will discuss with their attorney their wishes for the trust and the terms that will be...Read More

When a loved one passes away, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty. Amidst the emotional toll, there are often legal matters that must be addressed—especially when the person who passed owned assets in their name alone. In these situations, a court must appoint someone to handle their financial and legal affairs, a...Read More

What Is Joint Ownership of Real Property? Joint ownership of real estate occurs when two or more individuals share legal ownership of a property. This arrangement is common among married couples, family members, close friends, or business partners pooling investment resources. While joint ownership offers the benefits of shared responsibility and convenience, it often comes...Read More

Each legal action in New York is bound by a specific timeframe, known as the “statute of limitations in NY.” For residents of Brooklyn and across the state, understanding these deadlines is crucial for protecting your legal rights. Whether pursuing a personal injury claim, addressing an elder law matter, or navigating an estate dispute, being...Read More

As a probate attorney, one of the most common questions I hear from families is about student loan debt after death. With student loan debt in America reaching unprecedented levels, this topic affects many families during probate administration.Read More

Regarding trusts and taxation, three main types of taxes often come up: income taxes, estate taxes, and generation-skipping taxes. For this discussion, we’ll focus solely on how trusts are taxed for income tax purposes, as this is often the most relevant and frequently misunderstood aspect of trust taxation.Read More