A quick Google search reveals about 10,000 articles providing 5, 10, 15, or more reasons why everyone needs an estate plan. While that makes a catchy headline, it may not be technically correct. After all, in most instances, it is impossible for minors under 18 years old to enter into…
Earlier this week we discussed the tragic death of New York actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. There are many estate planning lessons to take away for Hoffman’s situation, including the need to update a will after every life event. Hoffman unintentionally left out two of his children by not updating his…
According to a survey by legal services website RocketLawyer, 70% of American parents with minor children do not have a Will. The survey revealed that 76% of respondents believe that a Will is not an “urgent” matter. Parents of young children certainly must have many urgent claims on their attention.…
Estate planning disputes can arise in any situation and based on any number of facts. However, one situation where disagreement is far more likely to arise is when planning steps are taken, gifts are made, or other actions pursued while an individual is on their death-bed or known to be…
Unintended consequences are rampant in do-it-yourself Will creation and other estate planning. Even arrangements that seem simple at first blush may prove to have hidden ambiguities or uncertainties that only come to light during probate–when it is too late to fix. Partner vs. University To get an idea of how…
One of the biggest misconceptions about settling an estate is that all of the loose ends will be handled within weeks or months of the passing. In reality, it often takes years or more before all of the details are finalized. In cases of sizeable wealth, unique assets, or complex…
Our attorneys frequently advise New Yorkers of the immense benefit of using trusts to conduct estate planning instead of relying solely on a Will. More and more residents are recognizing the value of trusts and incorporating them into their planning. However, Wills remain the most well-known and used tool to…
The Times Standard reported on another high-profile estate battle brewing that touches on many common themes, including a divided family and conflicting claims about last wishes. Legendary R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass is probably best known for his smash hit “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” Pendergrass dealt with various…
A Will is far more likely to be challenged during probate if significant last-minute changes were made to the legal document. This is to be expected considering that the main causes for challenge–undue influence, lack of capacity, improper procedure–are far more likely to occur when an individual is older and…
Celebrity estate planning remains one of the most common ways that local residents are confronted with issues regarding wills, trusts, and other inheritance issues. As the old adage makes clear, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. It does not matter whether one is a billionaire, international celebrity,…