New York Estate Planning & Elder Law BlogFamilies throughout New York who have children with disabilities are frequently questioning how to best provide for their children’s needs–both now and in the future. It can be a complex issue, because relatives must balance their ability to provide help via their own private resources with available support through Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). […]
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New York Estate Planning – No Child Left Behind?
Some New Yorkers eschew an estate plan because they assume their wishes are very simple. “I just want the kids to split it” is a common refrain. For one thing, default rules in the state do not automatically mean that children will split a parents’ assets. The only way to do that is by ensuring […]
Using a “Life Estate” in a New York Estate Plan
Property rights and rules are some of the most complex (and arcane) areas of the law. Of particular importance for estate planning purposes, property rules allow different individuals to each have different “interests” in the same piece of property. It is not necessarily as simple as one person owning each piece property. This presents unique […]
Former New York State Medicaid Inspector General Sets His Sights on Charity Regulation
There will soon be a new chief in town when it comes to monitoring the activities of New York charitable organizations. According to a report last week in the Wall Street Journal, James Sheehan was named the head of a state agency known as the Charities Bureau. This entity may not be a well-understood by […]
Beyond Pet Trusts — The Rise of Pet Hospice Care
In recent decades, “pet trusts” have grown in popularity as a way for residents to include their beloved animal companions in their estate plans. Our estate planning attorneys work with residents in this regard, setting aside appropriate assets to ensure pet dogs, cats, and other animals have funds available to pay for their well-being for […]
Understanding “Specialty” Trusts
Many New Yorkers remain unfamiliar with the benefit and flexibility of using trusts to plan for the future and protect assets in the present. Trusts can prove useful for all residents, including most middle class families. In our work with estate planning, we often help set up basic living trusts which help avoid probate and […]
Back to the Basics: Trusts Are Not Only For the Wealthy
One of the biggest misconceptions about general estate planning is that a “trust” is something that only rich families need to consider. This perception likely arises from colloquial use of “trust funds” to signify wealthy individuals who are living off substantial earnings preserved for them in a trust. A better understanding of the legal tool […]
Mysterious Will Filed in New York Intestate Case
Earlier this year we shared information about a $40 million New York inheritance that was destined to go entirely to the government. 97-year old former NY developer Roman Blum died in January, leaving behind the multi-million dollar estate. Yet, it seems that Blum conducted no estate planning–no trust was created and no will was found. […]
Back to the Basics: Understanding Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts in New York
The tremendous benefit of planning ahead for possible long-term care needs cannot be explained enough. The typical New York family is understandably most concerned about paying monthly bills, attending birthday parties, fixing up the house, and the thousand other activities that fill the day. Taking the time to think about serious illness, death, and inheritance […]
New York Ranked Near Bottom in “Best States to Retire”
What do you want to do when you retire? Where do you want to live? Obviously there are no easy answers to these questions. Everyone will have different plans based on their hobbies, family, financial situation, and more. There is no one-sized-fits all approach to these issues. However, that did not stop one well-known financial […]