Katya Sverdlov, Esq.

New video has been posted about a Power of Attorney

Please take a look at my new YouTube channel where the first video is about a need for a Power of Attorney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX0wvTCi0kU&feature=youtu.be Link to Youtube: Video about a Power of Attorney
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Happy New Year!

Dear Colleagues, Clients, Friends, and Family 2020 has been a rough year. We have all been in some way confronted with sickness and despair.  But this year also reminded us to treasure the people in our lives, to find joy in special moments and to appreciate nature. May your 2021 be filled with wonder and gratitude and health. All the...
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Why does anyone need a Pooled Income Trust?

Pooled Income Trusts can be used for many different situations, including individuals with mental health illnesses, special needs, and seniors who need Medicaid services. Read this article from NAMI with a thorough and straightforward explanation of a Pooled Income Trust. Set up an appointment with Sverdlov Law PLLC to discuss whether a Pooled Income Trust is right...
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Social Security changes coming in 2020

Stay informed about the Social Security changes. Monthly benefits increase: Social Security recipients will get a 1.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their monthly benefits starting in January. The average individual retired Social Security beneficiary is expected to see a monthly benefit jump from $1,479 to $1,503, an increase of roughly $24 per month...
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What is a healthcare proxy?

Multiple problems frequently arise when an adult loses capacity.  Do you remember Terri Schiavo and the 7-year court battle that her family had to endure to determine the proper course of her medical treatment? Much to the surprise of close relatives, unless certain documents are signed ahead of time, the relatives are not entitled...
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What happens if there are not enough assets in the Estate to pay all claims

Purpose of probate: Probate of the estate serves several purposes. It starts with identifying the heirs of the estate, continues with identifying the assets owned by the decedent, continues with paying the claims of the estate, and is finalized by distributing the remaining assets to the required beneficiaries. Every single step of this process...
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Disinheriting a Child

Under the laws of New York, if you die intestate (without a Will) some or all of your property would go to your children who survive you, in equal shares. However, you can choose to disinherit – leave nothing – to a child. The disinherited child, of course, may have very hurt feelings, both against...
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Account Closures and Cancellations

One of the hardest parts of losing a loved one is dealing with the financial aftermath. While your family and friends are aware of the passing, the rest of the financial institutions are not and they will keep sending the bills. Gym memberships, subscription wine club memberships, student loans, credit cards, Netflix subscription, utility...
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Basics of Planning a Funeral

Pre-Planning is best because it eases the burden on your loved ones. If you have specific wishes (i.e. – scattering your ashes over Yukon, Canada or getting buried under a specific tree) you should at least write these wishes down and ideally arrange for their execution. However, that is not always possible and millions...
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