Planning is a good thing. Not everyone likes it, but in the face of the inevitable and to ensure that assets representing one's legacy continue to serve the well-being of intended beneficiaries, few can dispute the value of the proposition.The problem is that the best...
What can a supplemental needs trust pay for?
Ensuring the well-being of loved ones incapable of caring for themselves is one of the greatest challenges any New York City family can face. If the onset of the incapacity is the result of some unexpected catastrophe, such as a near-fatal accident, concern about how...
Does your estate planning require a trust protector?
Trusts come in a wide range of styles. There are revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, even incentive trusts, which we wrote about in a post some time ago. This is not a complete list of trust tools available under New York estate planning law. The one that might be...
Taking legal action to remove a trustee
When most people think about estate planning, the document known as a last will and testament likely comes to mind. While a will can be used to convey one's wishes with regard to the ownership of personal belongings and the disbursement of assets, a trust is typically...
Is an incentive trust right for you and your family?
Every parent wants their child to succeed and do well in life. To help steer a child towards or keep a child on what a parent considers to be the right path, a parent may offer an incentive to help a child out financially. For example a parent may agree to pay a...
Remarriage and the benefits of a QTIP trust
Gone are the days when a couple married during their early 20s, welcomed and raised children together and lived out the rest of their lives together. Today, with the U.S. divorce rate hovering around 50 percent, familial structures within the U.S. are more complex...
How can pet owners provide for a pet’s future care?
According to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the city is home to an estimated 600,000 dogs and 500,000 cats. For many pet owners, a dog or cat is revered as not only a beloved companion, but also another member of the family. It makes sense...
If you are thinking about replacing your executor
If you have already appointed an executor, you have obviously taken steps to ensure that your financial and legal matters will be in order after you have passed away. Congratulations to you for being so proactive. Please however, keep in mind that estate planning is...
Understanding the potential benefits of a QPRT
If you have never heard of a Qualified Personal Residence Trust, you are not alone. Although this particular estate planning tool was once popular, it became less well-known over time. However, this tool may still help various Americans transfer their homes to their...

