One of the difficult things about growing older is that at some point, you likely will need to become more involved in caring for an aging parent. You may realize your elderly parent can no longer make financial or medical decisions on their own. Maybe your mom has...
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Why is estate planning challenging for wealthy people?
Estate planning is especially challenging for wealthy people in New York and around the country. You could have dozens or even hundreds of high-value properties that you want to pass along to your loved ones. If you don't plan your estate carefully, federal and state...
Process to contest a will
Sometimes, heirs of a decedent may wish to contest the probate of a will. This usually occurs when heirs would be entitled to more of a decedent's assets if there were no will than the actual will bequeaths them. Individuals in New York and other jurisdictions should...
When a person dies without a will
New York residents die intestate when they pass away without leaving behind a last will and testament. In these situations, state law determines how their assets will be distributed. Before this happens, a person must be appointed to administer the estate. This is...
How tax law impacts estate planning
Wealthy people in New York State need to be aware of the ways that tax laws can impact their assets. In 2016, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made it possible for high net worth people leave up to $10 million to people other than their spouses with no tax impacts. This...
If my parent died and left me a house, can I remove the tenants?
If your parent wishes to allow a friend to live in their house after they die while still leaving their New York property to you, there are three ways that this can play out. Encourage your parent to think carefully about their estate plan and recommend that they see...
What to do when an executor goes rogue
The executor of your New York estate is responsible for opening a probate case if you have assets that need to be probated. If your executor refuses to begin probate, he or she may be relieved of these duties. This is because failing to do so is likely in violation of...
Removing an executor of a New York estate
Choosing the executor for your New York estate is a critical piece of estate planning. You want to make sure that you have selected trustworthy individuals to handle your affairs at the time of your passing. What is an executor? Estate planning involves the...
Complex estate planning to reduce taxes
New Yorkers who are looking for a way to maximize their family's assets while minimizing what they pay in taxes may want to speak with a financial planner or an estate planning attorney. Before consulting a professional, you can start reading up on some options for...
How to account for beneficiaries dying during probate
It can take months or years for a probate case in New York or elsewhere to come to an end. Therefore, the possibility exists that a beneficiary will pass before he or she is able to receive any property. What happens to items that were intended for a deceased...