Clients often ask why they need to have power of attorney forms drafted for them.  The simple answer is that in the event one becomes disabled and is unable, physically or mentally, to manage their own finances, pay bills, etc., the power of attorney is the easiest way to enable someone you have chosen...

          It is extremely important, especially as one gets older, to consolidate assets, rather than having them scattered at different institutions, in different accounts.  It is quite common for clients to have several bank accounts and/or certificate of deposits, sometimes to earn better interest, and sometimes to also get the $250,000...

 

Since so many of us have more free time these days, with the pandemic affecting us, it is a good time to get your finances and legal affairs in order.  While it can be a daunting task, the way to handle it in a less stressful manner is to choose one area at a...

 

Clients will often approach an attorney when they discover that a will of a family member is being probated in the courts. In fact, when an Executor offers a will for probate, he/she is required to send the decedent's next of kin a copy of the will.  Family members then have an opportunity to...

Effective October 1, 2020, New Yorkers who apply for Medicaid home care services will be subject to the same type of transfer penalty which up until now has been imposed only on applicants who require nursing home care.  If you transfer assets in order to qualify for Medicaid assistance, then you will not only...

A properly executed will is the hallmark of a good estate plan. Each state has its own will requirements, and Florida is no different. Therefore, when drafting your will, it's imperative that you understand the laws that govern the validity of the document. In Florida, if your will fails to meet these requirements, the...

 

Now is the perfect time for one to get one's affairs in order, especially since most of us have a great deal of free time.  Getting organized and having a plan will serve to alleviate anxiety about the future.  First, one should compose a detailed list of important contacts--i.e., your accountant, financial advisor (s),...

Estate planning is for everyone, especially those who are retired or close to retirement. One of the most important steps in the estate planning process is the selection of an estate executor. An executor is a person who is responsible for managing the affairs of a deceased individual's probate estate. If you...

We are all experiencing an event in life which none of us have ever before experienced, so it is natural to get anxious and panic about the future.  With some knowledge, however, one can take steps to avoid the anxiety, at least when it comes to estate planning.

With a lot of free time on...

Regardless of income or assets, everyone needs an estate plan. However, estate planning can be confusing, primarily due to the sheer number of available estate planning options available. In order to give you an idea of what you may want to include in your estate plan, we've compiled a list of the most important...