One of the most important goals of a comprehensive estate plan is minimizing tax obligations in as many ways as possible. The probate process following an unexpected death can easily result in a significant tax claim on the estate by both the state of New York and the...

Mental incapacity and dementia are becoming more common in New York and around the country as lifespans grow longer and treatments for deadly diseases like cancer become more effective. This means that even an individual who has full control of their mental faculties...

Are you seeking an easy way to pass on investments to your survivors that allows them to skip probate? If so, you should consider creating transfer on death, or TOD, accounts for some of your investments. The state of New York recognizes this provision for various...

When people work with attorneys to create wills, the self-proving affidavits attached to the wills are normally notarized. While this is a standard procedure, it is not required for last wills and testaments in New York. Instead, the state requires that testators have...

If you or a dear family member need nursing home care, figuring out how to pay for it can be problematic. To help you search for answers, below are some tips that can provide you and your New York family with much-needed information. Paying for a nursing home stay If...

When you start writing your estate plan in New York, it's important to remember that not all assets have a monetary value. Your photos, files, videos and everything else that you store online could be just as valuable as your family heirlooms. How do you ensure that...

When you lose a loved one in New York, their estate is still responsible for paying debts and taxes. The executor of their estate will have to figure out how to pay the estate taxes before distributing properties to the heirs. Technically, you won't have to pay...

Writing a will makes it easier to control where your assets go after you die. If you pass before you have a chance to write a will, you have died intestate. State law determines who receives a home, car or other items that are left in your estate. Your spouse will...