The practical answer to the question “Do I need a death certificate to probate a will?” is yes. In a practical sense, the Surrogate’s Court generally requires a death certificate in order to probate a Will, as it needs the…
It was February 27th when Fox announced that the beloved 90s television hit, Beverly Hills, 90210, was picked up for a reunion series of six episodes. It came as a shock when, a week later, star Luke Perry, largely known…
What you should expect an attorney to do, after they are retained, to guide the Medicaid applicant and their loved ones through the Medicaid application process? When they are is engaged to complete an application for Community Medicaid, you can…
As the population ages and people are living longer than ever before, an increasing number of people find they need help at home. Because the cost of paying for home care privately can be impossibly burdensome, many families choose instead…
Many clients will ask the question, “When should I update my estate plan?” The answer is usually, whenever something big happens in your life. All too often, clients will execute a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy, a…
Many of our clients are legitimately concerned about what will happen to their homes and their assets if they need to go into a nursing home. They have heard of the five-year lookback related to Medicaid. Often, they show up…
… My spouse died, and I am the surviving tenant by the entirety of our house? … My parent died, and I am the surviving joint tenant of our house? … I inherited a house from a relative and now…
Many individuals who seek counsel in our office come in ready to talk about a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). They believe it to be a document that allows them to forgo life support in the event of a catastrophic event…
If you die without a Last Will and Testament or a Trust, the New York State laws of intestacy will govern the disposition of your property to your “distributees”, your closest living blood relatives (in priority order). However, if you…
When advising clients regarding Medicaid asset protection planning, it is common to recommend the transfer of their residence (and other properties they may own) to a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”). After five years, the trust assets would not be…