What Does It Mean to Be a “Fiduciary”?
A family member or friend may ask you to act as power of attorney to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf. This person may be planning for a time when they can't take care of their affairs due…
A History of Halloween Candy
For many, Halloween is a time to carve pumpkins together, dress up kids in costumes, and send them house to house to trick-or-treat for their favorite candy. Halloween candy wasn’t always popular. It began in the 1920s and 30s, becoming…
Living Trusts: How They Can Benefit Seniors
Unfortunately, seniors are prime targets for financial abuse and scams. The elderly are often taken advantage of by strangers — and sometimes even their own family members. That’s why it’s crucial to have planning in place to protect seniors and…
A Guide to Avoiding Probate Litigation
Legal disputes over wills and trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships can affect the authenticity of gifts and the ownership of family homes and land. The most successful approach to mitigating or avoiding probate litigation is carefully planning for the future. Comprehensive…
Invest in Life Insurance to Fund a Special Needs Trust
Parenting a child with special needs comes with unique responsibilities. Funding a special needs trust (SNT) with life insurance is one of the most important things you can do to provide additional monies while protecting eligibility for government benefit programs…
What Happens to My Car When I Die?
A family member’s passing is a difficult time that leads the family to question, among other things, what to do with their car. The decedent’s car is part of their estate and the estate administration process, requiring action by the…
Falls Prevention Awareness Week: A National Campaign for Safety
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable for older adults. This year the week-long national health campaign is being observed from September 18th through the 24th. Falls among older adults are a big…
What Should You Sign in a Probate of Will Proceeding
If you are a beneficiary of a trust or estate, or next-of-kin to a decedent whose estate is involved in a Surrogate’s Court probate proceeding, you should consult with a qualified attorney before signing any documents or waiving your rights…
What Powers Do Guardians Have?
New York state has three types of guardianship proceedings to appoint a guardian. The need for a guardian may arise in various situations, such as when parents have a special needs child, someone is caring for a disabled adult after…
SSI vs SSDI: Decoding the Confusion of Social Security Programs
The social security law and benefit requirements can be very confusing! Many people mistakenly believe that SSI and SSDI are one and the same. This article will clarify the major differences between these two distinct programs. An estate attorney in…