What Happens If You Die Without a Will in New York
If you die without a will in New York, state intestacy laws decide who inherits your property. The court follows a fixed order based on your closest relatives, which may not match what you would have chosen.
What “Intestate” Means in New York
Dying “intestate”...
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When Dementia Care Costs More Than a Family Can Afford (The Reality Most Families Don’t See Coming)
“I was just asked to create a Power of Attorney and a Health Care proxy for a man's long term partner of 30 years. Despite a long term relationship, they were not legally married. The partner was recently transferred to a nursing home after a hospital stay, and my client wanted to...
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Planning for Aging Parents: 6 Important Things Every Family Should Know
Planning for Aging Parents: 6 Important Things Every Family Should Know (And Why Waiting “Until Later” Can Create Major Problems)
Most adult children assume there...
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Is Your Business Protected If Something Happens to You?
"Is Your Business Protected If Something Happens to You?" with Katra Sverdlov
Is Your Business Protected If Something Happens to You? Continue reading…
What to Do When Your Parent Suddenly Enters Rehab or A Nursing Home: 7 Smart Steps (and 1 Critical Mistake to Avoid)
When a Parent Is Suddenly Admitted to Rehab or a Nursing Home
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What to Do When Someone “Steals” Your Inheritance
What You Need to Know About Inheritance Disputes in New York
When Something Doesn’t Feel Right
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Will vs. Trust: What Is the Best Option for Protecting Your Estate?
Planning for the future means making sure your assets go to the right people without unnecessary complications. A clear estate plan helps prevent confusion and ensures your wishes are carried out. Many people assume a will is enough, while others prefer a trust for added protection. Each option offers different benefits, and...
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Your Right to an Elective Share: A Guide for Disinherited Spouses in New York
In New York State, if a surviving spouse is "disinherited" (i.e., not provided for in a decedent’s will), they have the option to claim an elective share of the decedent's estate. This legal right allows a spouse to receive a portion of the estate, even if the decedent's will does not provide for them....
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Adoption Ends Inheritance Rights of Biological Family
Once a person is adopted (either as a child or as an adult) all inheritance rights of the biological family of the decedent are terminated.
In the past, prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, many partners in same-sex relationships adopted each other, to create...
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CryptoWills: What They Are and How They Work
More than 50% of the adults in the US do not have a Will. Most assume that that they do not have enough assets to bother with one, or that they will write one when they are older. Yet dying without a Will results is going to result in the person’s assets being...
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