When someone accepts the role of trustee in New York, they take on a legal and ethical duty to manage assets responsibly and in the best interests of the trust’s beneficiaries. But what happens when things go wrong? Whether it's a matter of poor communication or outright misconduct, trustee mismanagement is more common than many people realize, and the consequences can be severe. In this article, we break down… How beneficiaries can spot red flags in trust management. What legal actions are available to hold trustees accountable. How proactive planning (with the help of an estate attorney) can prevent conflict before it escalates. How Can…Read More
Choosing a trustee is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when setting up an estate plan. A trustee doesn’t just manage money. They manage relationships, legal obligations, and long-term family harmony. In this article, we explore… The legal responsibilities of trustees. The risks and benefits of choosing friends or family to oversee a trust. Whether a professional trustee might be the right fit. What Is The Legal Role And Responsibility Of A Trustee In New York Estate Plans? In New York, a trustee is a fiduciary, which means they’re legally obligated to act in the best financial interests of the trust’s beneficiaries. They…Read More
Probate can be one of the most time-consuming and costly legal processes that families face after the death of a loved one. In New York, especially in Suffolk County, the probate system is known for its delays, paperwork, and legal fees. In this article, we’ll unpack… What the probate process involves and how long it may take. Which assets are subject to probate and which are not. How families can save themselves from stress, expenses, and potential legal battles. What Is Probate, And Why Do So Many Families Try To Avoid It? Probate is the legal process used to distribute a deceased person’s assets when…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Whether online wills and estate planning forms are legally valid in New York. How DIY estate planning can cause serious problems for your beneficiaries. Why an experienced estate planning lawyer is a far wiser choice than online tools. Are Online Wills Legally Valid In New York? New York does not yet recognize fully electronic wills as valid. Your will must be on a physical piece of paper, must be typed and not handwritten, and must be signed by you (the testator) in the presence of two witnesses. Keep in mind that the witnesses can not also be beneficiaries; they…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Whether it’s possible to plan for Medicaid if you’re already in a nursing home. If Medicaid can take away your assets should you require nursing home care. If middle-class people can qualify for Medicaid in New York. Is It Too Late For Medicaid Planning If I’m Already In A Nursing Home? In certain circumstances, it is not too late to transfer assets that will help you qualify for Medicaid, even if you are already in a nursing home. But time is of the essence. There may be a small window of opportunity when you can prepare and be eligible…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How Medicaid’s look-back period works in the State of New York. When to begin planning to avoid Medicaid’s look-back periods. The types of transfers that could harm your eligibility for Medicaid. What Is The Medicaid Look-Back Period In New York? This depends very much upon the type of Medicaid program. “Chronic Care Medicaid”, which covers nursing home care, has a look-back period of five years from the date you apply for those particular Medicaid benefits. Home Care Community Medicaid, which would cover care at your home, currently does not have a look-back period. While there have been attempts by…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Why estate planning is crucial for you as a business owner. What a buy-sell agreement is, and how it serves small businesses. How to mitigate legal disputes when your business is handed over to heirs. Why Is Estate Planning Crucial For Small Business Owners? Estate planning helps ensure the continuity of your business. Many small businesses rely entirely on the business’s sole owner. Should something happen to you, without a clear succession plan, your small business could falter. The tax implications for your loved ones could be serious, and if you die without a will, your business could be…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The benefits of estate planning for yourself and your family. How assets are defined, and the different types that exist. The benefits of a power of attorney, and how to select the right person for this task. What Is An “Estate Plan” And What Does It Do? An estate plan is a series of documents that allow you to dictate what happens to your assets after you pass away. These documents can also help plan for your care should you become incapacitated or are no longer able to manage your personal finances and personal decisions. Most people have an…Read More
In this article, you can discover… When to consider guardianship for your elderly relative. Whether it’s possible to appoint multiple guardians. The responsibilities and obligations of your loved one’s guardian. When Should You Consider Guardianship For An Elderly Relative? If your loved one is struggling to handle day-to-day activities and upkeep as well as they used to, it can be helpful to consider guardianship. This is especially true if your older relative does not have power of attorney or healthcare proxy documents in place. You could also face a scenario where a loved one names their spouse as their power of attorney, but their spouse…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How to select a guardian for your special-needs child. Whether you can change guardianship after it’s been established. What to do if you’re struggling to find a suitable guardian. What Qualities Should I Look For In A Guardian For My Child With Special Needs? It’s important to select a guardian for your special-needs child who is trustworthy, responsible, compassionate, and patient. You should also choose someone who’s young and strong enough to commit to raising your child and caring for them for years if need be. Depending on your child’s needs, they could require care throughout their life. For…Read More
