Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney for Special Needs Adults: What’s the Difference?
When you’re caring for an adult with special needs in New York, you may be faced with the decision whether a guardianship or a power of attorney offers the right level of support. A guardianship gives someone legal authority to make decisions for an adult who cannot manage personal or financial matters....
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How to Leave Money for a Special Needs Child Without Jeopardizing Their Benefits
A well-meaning gift or inheritance can unintentionally disrupt a special needs child’s eligibility for government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Fortunately, there are effective estate planning tools that allow families to provide financial support while preserving those benefits. The key lies in using special needs trusts and other protected...
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How to Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning Over the Holidays
A practical guide to having important conversations with the people who matter most.
Why the Holidays Are the Best Time for These Conversations
For many families, Thanksgiving is one of the few times each year when everyone is in the same place. Between shared meals and...
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Managing Digital Assets After Death: Practical Guidance for Families and Fiduciaries
How to locate, access, and protect a loved one’s online property under New York law.
The Challenge of Digital Estates
When a loved one passes away, locating their accounts and records is rarely straightforward — especially when much of their life existed online. Executors and administrators...
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How Much Can You Leave a Non-Citizen Spouse Without Tax Consequences?
When one spouse is not a U.S. citizen, estate planning becomes more complex. U.S. tax law limits the amount that can be transferred to a non-citizen spouse without triggering estate or gift taxes. Understanding these limits and planning accordingly can help preserve more of your estate for your loved ones.
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Why You Can’t Disinherit Your Spouse in New York (Without a Prenup or Postnup)
Understanding your spouse’s statutory right to a share of your estate — and how proper planning can help protect your intentions.
The Reality of Spousal Rights in New York
In New York, no one...
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How to Navigate the Costs of Long-Term Care: Medicaid, Insurance, and More
Planning for long-term care isn’t something most of us want to think about, but in New York, the costs are hard to ignore. Nursing homes, assisted living, and even in-home support can quickly drain savings if you aren’t prepared. The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself and your...
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National Estate Planning Awareness Week: Why Every Family Needs a Plan
An estate plan is more than a set of documents — it’s a framework for protecting your wishes, your assets, and the people you care about.
Each October, National Estate Planning Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder of how important it is to have your legal and financial...
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Don’t Lose the Trust Documents!
In estate planning, the paper you lose determines the outcome you get.
When clients think about “losing estate documents,” they often picture chaos — assets frozen, plans destroyed, and endless court battles. But the truth is more nuanced.
If you lose your original Trust, it’s usually...
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What Does It Mean to Be an Executor, Trustee, or Agent?
Agents, Executors, Trustees — Explained Simply
When planning your estate, one of the most important choices you’ll make is who to appoint in key fiduciary roles. These people will make financial, medical, legal, and end-of-life decisions for you and your family — so it’s essential to understand what each...
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