Disinheriting a spouse is a big decision that can have significant legal implications for many, particularly in states like New York where marital property laws are complicated. While the concept of disinheriting a spouse may seem straightforward, the reality is far...
Lifetime gifting is a strategic component of estate planning, offering the dual benefit of expressing generosity towards loved ones while reducing the size of one's estate to potentially lower estate taxes. By transferring assets during their lifetime, individuals can...
Taxes are often a concern throughout someone's life, especially if they have achieved professional success. The more resources and income someone enjoys, the more tax obligations they usually have. Taxes do not simply end when someone dies. In fact, there are unique...
Blended families, where couples who have children from previous relationships marry, are increasingly common in today's society. Having a family with children (whether they’re adults or minors) who can be defined as “your, mine and ours” can be very rewarding – but it...
Creating a comprehensive estate plan is a crucial step in securing the financial well-being of your loved ones and ensuring that your legacy is preserved according to your wishes. While a will is a fundamental component of estate planning, incorporating a trust into...
You’ve worked hard for what you’ve earned over the years. Now you’re making an estate plan. You may have multiple beneficiaries, but you do anticipate leaving the bulk of your financial assets to your children. A major part of the reason that you worked so hard...
Those battling chemical dependence may have a difficult time maintaining social and familial relationships. They may lose their jobs or find themselves struggling with debilitating symptoms as they withdraw from their substance of choice. Addiction often leads to...
A lot of seniors need to rely on in-home caregivers as they start to mentally and physically decline, usually because they hope to age in place. Unfortunately, that can leave them ripe for financial exploitation. Finding a trustworthy caregiver isn’t easy. According...
When you’re crafting your estate plans, you have a lot of decisions that have to be made – not the least of which is who to choose as your executor. Your executor is the person who will ultimately manage your estate, so that includes locating and securing your...
When you’re a parent, you never want to play favorites with your children – and most parents worry about how to be fair to their children in their estate plans, as well. While the conventional wisdom has often leaned toward leaving each child equal shares, the...
