New York Estate Planning & Elder Law Blogby Michael Ettinger, Esq. “Elder Law Estate Planning” is a niche area of the law which combines the features of elder law and estate planning that pertain most to the needs of the middle class. Estate planning was originally for the wealthy few. Middle class families did not consider themselves as having “estates” to plan. […]
Search Results for: manhattan estate planning
UNDERSTANDING CELEBRITY BONDS
DAVID BOWIE BONDS As the world learned, David Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016. Mr. Bowie was always on the leading edge of creativity, an advocate for meaningful social change and a musical genius to boot. He started his musical career at the same time as the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Who […]
Nursing Homes Filing for Guardianship to Collect Debts
Few people are aware that a nursing home has the power to file for guardianship over its residents. Because guardianship cases are difficult to gain access to or track through the court system the rate at which this occurs is difficult to ascertain. However, research is emerging that shows that this practice is becoming routine […]
New Reports – Phillip Seymour Hoffman Leaves All to Girlfriend
In an interesting twist of events this week, court documents show that the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman left his entire estate to his girlfriend, Mimi O’Donnell. Hoffman died earlier this year at the age of forty-six of a heroin overdose at his home in New York City. He left behind his long-term girlfriend, O’Donnell, and […]
New York Program Helping Senior Tenants with Rent Caps
Last week New York City announced plans to expand its legislative program that helps senior tenants freeze their rent and make living on their own more affordable. Mayor Bill de Blasio has cited a lack of affordable housing as a major problem, and the elderly who live on a fixed income are particularly disadvantaged when […]
Can Your Heirs Work Together?
Creating a will and drafting trust documents are forms of “transactional law.” That means that, unlike litigation, the purpose is not necessarily to “win” in a conflict over another. Instead, the purpose is to put plans into place that explicitly avoids conflict down the road. When doing this work it is critical to understand the […]
Trying to “Woo” Inclusion Into The Will of Heiress Huguette Clark
The New York Times shared a story late last week on developments in the settling of the estate of copper heiress Huguette Clark. It is a reminder of the sensitive nature of estate planning, particularly for those with wealth, and the lengths that all involved parties may go to influence one’s decisions regarding inheritance. As […]
Passing on Digital Passwords After Death
Over the past few years more and more attention has been paid to the value of “digital” assets and the need to account for them in estate planning. Yet, for all the increased awareness, there is still a long way to go before all families properly plan for handing online access and property issues. A […]
Potential Heir in Huguette Clark Case Dies During Inheritance Feud
Timing is of critical importance with estate planning matters. Obviously, a plan must be in place early enough to be of use before one falls ill or suffers from mental issues. For example, creating a will or trust may be impossible after one suffers a stroke or succumbs to serious effects of Alzheimers. This is […]
Two Teens, a Custody Battle, and $1 Billion New York Trust
DNA Info in New York shared an interesting story on the intersection of a custody dispute, estate planning, and a one billion trust fund waiting in the wings. The tale is a reminder of how money and the emotions following a death are a breeding ground for feuding and conflict among many different parties. It […]