How to Navigate Estate Planning When Living in Two States
For many retirees, dividing time between two beloved locations is the dream. Known as “snowbirds,” these individuals enjoy northern US states in the summer before flocking to warmer climes come winter. While this lifestyle has many advantages, it can significantly impact the distribution of your assets when you pass away. For instance, your home state […]
How to Manage Your Inheritance
Inheriting assets is a mix of honor and responsibility. As a probate lawyer, I’ve seen many people unprepared for the implications of managing their inheritance. The inclination to treat an inheritance as “bonus” money is common, but there are many pragmatic ways to use these funds for future benefits. Integrating Inheritance into Your Financial Plan […]
Filing for Divorce in New York? Why Updating Your Estate Plan is Crucial
Going through a divorce is an emotionally charged and challenging process. Amid the whirlwind of legal proceedings, contacting an estate planning attorney might not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be. A divorce, often referred to as dissolution of marriage, can stretch over several months, sometimes even years. During this period, […]
7 Thoughtful Ways to Honor a Deceased Loved One’s Memory
When we lose someone dear to us, it can be challenging to navigate the pain and figure out how to keep their memory alive. In the midst of grief, we often search for meaningful ways to celebrate and remember the love we shared with them. Honoring their memory can provide comfort, act as a tribute […]
Understanding the Role of an Executor and Power of Attorney in Property Sales
As an estate planning lawyer, I often receive questions about the roles and responsibilities of an executor and a power of attorney (POA), especially in situations where a loved one is no longer living at home. A question I recently received encapsulates a common misunderstanding: “My mom is in a nursing home and her house […]
Leveraging Life Insurance for Your Estate Plan
One common misconception when it comes to estate planning is the belief that one must have significant assets to establish a comprehensive plan. As an estate lawyer, I’m here to tell you that this simply isn’t the case. In fact, life insurance can play a crucial role in your estate planning, even if your existing […]
Understanding Sundowning and When to Seek Support
As an elder lawyer, I often counsel families grappling with the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. A common and particularly distressing symptom of dementia is sundowning, characterized by increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness during the late afternoon and evening. Understanding what happens during sundowning and when to seek support can help […]
Can a Person with a Life Estate Rent the Property to Others?
One question I often receive is whether a person with a life estate can rent the property to others. A life estate is a type of legal arrangement in which an individual, known as a life tenant, is given the right to use a property for their lifetime. After the life tenant passes away, the […]
When Your Executor Isn’t Meeting Expectations: How to Handle Mistakes in Estate Administration
The executor of an estate plays a crucial role in managing and distributing a person’s assets after they pass away. But what happens when the executor is making mistakes or failing in their duties of estate administration? It’s a delicate and stressful situation, but one that can be addressed legally and ethically. Recognizing an Inefficient […]
Understanding the Complexities of Estate Planning
Estate planning can seem daunting with its complex terminology and numerous components. But don’t worry, our guide is here to help you navigate the basics. What exactly is estate planning? Let’s define the term to make it clearer. Estate planning refers to a process of arranging how you would like your personal assets to be […]