As a senior citizen, it’s vitally important that you have an estate plan in place. Not only can you use an estate plan to leave assets to your loved ones, but an estate plan allows you to identify who will make certain important decisions on your behalf should you ever become unable to do...

On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed a new bill into law which is designed to simplify the power of attorney form used in the State of New York and make it easier for clients to have the form recognized by institutions.  A power of attorney is an essential estate planning document which usually...

When it comes to estate planning, there’s a lot to consider. In addition to deciding who to leave your assets to after you pass, you must determine which estate planning instruments are the most appropriate for your unique situation. In this article, we examine the differences between a will and a living trust. In...

For a variety of reasons, many people are under the impression that they don’t need an estate plan. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Estate planning is for everyone. Without an estate plan in place, settling your affairs after you’re gone could have a long-lasting and costly impact on your loved ones. In...

There has been a good deal of talk lately about changes to the tax laws, with the primary purpose of closing loopholes and having the wealthy pay more in taxes.  Two proposals, if enacted, could have serious consequences for people who are engaging in estate planning.

One proposal being touted is reducing the federal estate...

Elderly people are highly vulnerable to financial exploitation. This is because cognitive impairment often diminishes the ability of older adults to make sound financial decisions and to detect scams. Florida, with its large senior population, is a hotbed of elder exploitation. In this article, we examine the ways in which an estate plan can...

It is not uncommon for New Yorkers to spend a few months in Florida or some other state, especially during the winter season.  Whether you are heading to the Berskshires, the Carolinas, or some other destination, there are some relatively easy steps you should take in order to ensure that your estate plan takes...

The biggest myth about estate planning is that it’s only for the wealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you have an estate, you need an estate plan. All that an estate means is that you own something of value that you want to protect. Therefore, if you own anything at all...

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...