Special needs planning is often a part of a parent or other family member’s estate planning considerations. To ensure that you make adequate financial arrangements through proper estate planning to protect your loved ones with special needs, you may need to draft special estate planning documents. Because of the legal nuances involved in estate planning, setting up a time to discuss your estate plans with our office may be a wise investment. Setting up a special needs trust may be necessary … [Read more...] about Special Needs Planning: Part I of III
Estate Planning
Types of Joint Property
By drafting a written will, you are taking an important step to ensure that your hard-earned property and assets go to specific individuals upon your death. However, you may not use your written will to convey certain types of jointly owned property. You may not use a written will to convey certain property that you jointly own with another individual without that person’s consent. If you own property with another individual communally, or jointly as joint tenants with survivorship rights, you … [Read more...] about Types of Joint Property
New York’s Simple Probate Procedures
In many states, including New York, residents can avoid lengthy probate procedures by executing small estate documents. In New York, the Surrogate Courts allow beneficiaries of small estates to file small estate forms for estates of limited value. The New York small estate affidavit procedures allow a decedent’s family members or spouse to file a Small Estate Affidavit or Affidavit of Voluntary Administration. With some legal guidance and estate planning, you may be able to take advantage of … [Read more...] about New York’s Simple Probate Procedures
6 Tips to Working with Your Estate Planning Attorney
Working with an estate planning attorney who is a good fit will be a relief; you’ll discover increased peace of mind, knowing that you, your family, and your assets are provided for. Here are 6 tips to working with your estate planning attorney. 1. Choose an estate planning attorney who is a good fit, someone you feel comfortable with. The more comfortable you feel, the more confident you’ll feel about your plan. 2. Tell your estate planning attorney everything about your family dynamics, … [Read more...] about 6 Tips to Working with Your Estate Planning Attorney
Remember These Estate Planning Do’s and Don’ts (Part 2 of 2)
As you begin your estate planning affairs, take extra care to ensure that your needs are met and that you’re planning properly. This will make it possible for you to achieve more of your goals. We’ve taken the time to compile some do’s and don’ts to estate planning. Take a look below to learn more about beginning your planning. If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to start your estate planning, contact an estate planning attorney. Do ask questions. When planning, it’s important to … [Read more...] about Remember These Estate Planning Do’s and Don’ts (Part 2 of 2)
Remember these Estate Planning Do’s and Don’ts (Part 1 of 2)
When handling your estate planning, it can be easy to make mistakes that may cause problems in the future. Review the following do’s and don’ts for pointers on how to handle your affairs. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to begin or update your estate planning, meet with an estate planning attorney. Do hire an estate planning attorney to make sure that your entire plan is legally valid and does what you want it to do. Estate planning is not a one-size fits all; your plan must be … [Read more...] about Remember these Estate Planning Do’s and Don’ts (Part 1 of 2)
Who Helps Me Carry Out My Estate Plan?
You’re right to ask the question, “Who will help me carry out my estate plan?” Your estate plan is not magic, it’s really just a set of instructions. Trusted helpers are needed to carry out your instructions. You name trusted helpers in your estate planning documents. Rule number one: Be sure to get your loved ones’ permission before naming them in your estate plan. Rule number two: Be sure to name back-ups for each trusted helper position, in case your primary helper cannot or … [Read more...] about Who Helps Me Carry Out My Estate Plan?
4 Estate Planning Musts for Blended Families
If you are in a marital relationship and have children from a previous relationship, you have a blended family. If you’re like most people, you, likely, find it challenging balancing your relationships with each loved one and between your loved ones. Implementing these 4 estate planning “musts” for blended families will improve your family relationships and help to keep the peace. Talk it Over Have a family conversation to establish an open line of communication. To lessen natural … [Read more...] about 4 Estate Planning Musts for Blended Families
Where to Turn if you Have Questions Regarding an Inheritance
Estate planning can be a difficult and complex process, not to mention the emotional aspect. However, receiving an inheritance can be almost as difficult as creating an estate plan, as there may be many challenges and questions that come up, and asking questions about an inheritance can be a difficult conversation to start. When you receive an inheritance, you will have to consider the impact on your tax situation. Your inheritance may incur liability for property taxes or increase your own … [Read more...] about Where to Turn if you Have Questions Regarding an Inheritance
Pet Planning Is Often Overlooked
When you are engaged in the process of estate planning, you are probably going to have a lot on your mind. Inventorying all of the assets that you have been able to accumulate throughout the entirety of your life can be a chore in itself. And then deciding how you are going to divide them and exactly how you should go about doing it is another challenge. This is why it is advisable to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who has the background that it takes to guide you through the … [Read more...] about Pet Planning Is Often Overlooked
