How to Spot and Avoid Scammers
Have you ever received an e-mail from someone you know that seems to be a bit suspicious? You know the one I mean. They say “Hey…check this out” and it only contains a link to an outside website. Or they…
Solar Panels and Home Value: What You Need to Know
As the use and installation of solar panels in residential homes become more prevalent, we are increasingly facing the question with our clients as what to do if they decide to sell their home after solar panels have been installed…
Personal Inquiries and Your Future
When you go to the doctor, you expect to be asked invasive questions. When you go see an estate planning attorney, however, you may not be expecting the same level of personal inquiries. After all, an attorney is not taking…
Will Drafting: Understanding the Importance and Length
Recently, a client called me in a bit of a panic. She had just received the drafts of her Will and was shocked to see that it was thirty pages long! She didn’t understand why and told me all she…
Programa Tranquilidad
Why we recommend the Peace of Mind Program to all our clients: The Peace of Mind Program [POM] is an ongoing maintenance program that provides a cost-effective way to ensure your plan is up to date and meets your goals…
Choosing the Right Executor for Your Estate: Key Considerations
Determining who you should select to serve as the Executor of your estate can often be a difficult decision. It is important to understand the duties and responsibilities of an Executor before you make your final decision. Here are some…
Medicaid Planning and Asset Preservation
John Smith, who has dementia, need nursing home care at $160,000 per year. His two children, Chris and Danielle, have no access to his bank checking account and his other assets because there is no Durable power of attorney in…
Retirement Account Distribution: Planning for the Future
Retirement accounts are commonly one of our clients’ largest assets. These retirement accounts represent the fruit of a lifetime of labor, years of tax-deferred appreciation, and what many hope will be a lasting legacy that will help their children/beneficiaries in…
Why Would a Court Say My Chosen Executor Cannot Serve?
In making the decision to meet with an estate planning attorney to create a Last Will and Testament, you will need to decide who to nominate as your Executor. Among other responsibilities, your Executor is the person that will be…
Placing S-Corporation Shares into a Grantor Trust
With the federal and New York state tax exemptions being so high ($11.18 million and $5.25 million, respectively), clients with family businesses held in an S-corporation are less focused on reducing estate taxes and are more focused on avoiding probate…