There are a number of common types of estate planning errors. One of the most widespread errors is the failure to update a person’s estate planning documents. As a result, even if you have written estate planning documents, there are numerous events that can arise that interrupt with your plans…
Beginning with a list of your assets can be a simple way to begin estate planning. Unfortunately, statistics compiled by Caring.com reveal that more than half of Americans do not have a will. This is despite the numerous advantages offered by having a will which include avoiding potentially high legal…
An estate planning attorney has the potential to help with a number of issues. Making sure to review all applicable issues with your attorney, however, can prove particularly difficult. Some people are not even sure what issues to bring up with their estate planning lawyer can prove particularly difficult. As…
Many people have discovered that funeral pre planning offers the opportunity to reduce the stress that is often associated with the end of life process.Unfortunately, however, people face a number of questions about the pre planning process. As a result, this article will reviews some of the most common questions…
A large number of people in New York are curious about 529 college plans as the result of campaigns run by the state. Not only do 529 college plans provide tax advantages, they are also particularly helpful when estate planning is involved. Despite the benefit of 529 college plans, there…
On the heels of top Senate Republicans introducing legislation to fully repeal the federal estate tax, former Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders recently proposed to expand the estate tax on America’s wealthiest families. The proposal would create a 77 percent tax on the estates valued over $1 billion, a…
Although passing an estate through probate can be an unnecessarily long and expensive process, it is usually an administrative task through which heirs receive their inheritance as the deceased saw fit to award. However, family dynamics can complicate the expediency at which executors are able to pass some estates through…
Three of the Senate’s top Republicans recently introduced a plan to repeal the federal estate tax completely, a move that would save potentially billions of dollars for a small number of ultra wealthy families in America. The move comes after the 2017 tax cuts signed by President Donald Trump that…
A last will and testament is an important legal document that tells our loved ones and the government how we wish for our estate to be apportioned to heirs and friends upon passing away. Although New York trust and estates law give testators wide latitude to decide what parts of…
A New York Surrogate’s Court judge recently handed down a ruling striking down a substantial state Tax Department penalty levied against the surviving spouse who became the beneficiary of a qualified terminable interest property trust (QTIP) established by the deceased husband. The judge’s order could have further reaching implications for…