Many of us hesitate to change professional relationships, especially regarding legal matters. I often meet people who feel "tied" to their original estate planning attorney, even when that relationship no longer serves their needs.Read More

One of the most frequent questions I hear is, "Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?" Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: "Am I making the right choice for my family's future?" Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your estate is just one small...Read More

I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of inadequate estate planning. Many parents overlook crucial aspects of securing their family’s future regardless of age. Whether you’re a new parent, think you’re too young for estate planning or haven’t updated your documents in years, this post is for you. Let’s explore some common estate planning mistakes and how to...Read More

As we round out another election season, focusing on how government policies might affect our families and finances is natural. However, as any experienced estate planning lawyer will tell you, a crucial aspect of your family’s future remains constant regardless of who’s in office: the need for a personalized estate plan. The Government’s Default Plan Here’s...Read More

Regarding long-term care in a nursing home, Medicaid is often the primary payer for individuals who require such services. However, qualifying for Medicaid isn’t as simple as filling out an application. A crucial eligibility factor is the “Medicaid Lookback Period.” Specifically, Medicaid applicants for institutional care need to be aware of the five-year lookback period,...Read More

Inheriting an IRA can be a significant financial event, and recent changes to the IRS rules make it crucial for beneficiaries to understand their obligations. These new regulations could significantly impact your inheritance in New York or elsewhere. I’ll explain the fundamental changes and how they could affect your financial planning. The 10-Year Rule: A...Read More

At our firm, we help guide clients through the complex legal process following a loved one’s death. One of the more common questions we receive concerns the grounds on which a will can be contested. Contesting a will is serious and often emotional, as it involves questioning the deceased’s final wishes. However, under certain circumstances,...Read More

I often recommend Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) to clients looking to protect their family’s wealth. Life insurance is a powerful estate planning tool, but without proper planning, it can become vulnerable to creditors or unnecessarily inflate your taxable estate. Let’s explore how an ILIT can help safeguard your family’s financial future. The Power of...Read More

A step-up in basis may be one of an estate planner’s best tools. To truly understand how beneficial this tool is, it’s essential to first grasp the concept of basis. In simple terms, basis refers to what you initially paid for an asset. On the other hand, the amount realized refers to what you sell...Read More

When a loved one passes away, settling their estate can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their financial affairs. I often hear concerns from family members about missing assets or incomplete information. Let’s address these everyday worries and explore what happens in these situations. The Challenge of Incomplete Information It’s not uncommon for the...Read More