Chances are, the will you draft when you start estate planning won't be the one that will be submitted to probate. New events may occur in your life over time. For example, the birth or adoption of a child/grandchild, divorce, marriage, the purchase/sale of a property...
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Estate Planning
Fund a QTIP trust to protect your heirs
If you have adult children from one or more prior marriages, it can be challenging to provide for everyone you love in your estate plan. You, of course, want to provide for your current spouse, yet you want the bulk of your estate to remain with those who share your...
Safeguarding your art legacy: A collector’s estate guide
You have spent years curating meaningful pieces that reflect your taste and vision. But what happens to these treasured works when you are no longer here? Let us explore how you can preserve your artistic legacy. Understanding your collection's value Your art...
A document can help aging adults avoid guardianship
As people grow older, they may face several predictable medical challenges. Many people experience a slow reduction in bone density and overall strength. Memory issues and other cognitive challenges also have a strong association with advanced age. Eventually,...
What are the potential issues of dying intestate?
Thinking about what happens after we're gone isn't easy, but it's something we all need to face. Imagine working hard your whole life, only to have your assets divided in ways you never intended. Dying without a will, known as dying intestate, can create a tangled web...
What are the implications of joint ownership on estate planning?
Joint ownership of real estate can be a great way to share ownership and responsibilities with family members, friends or business partners. However, when it comes to estate planning, joint ownership can create complexities that may lead to unintended consequences....
A 4-part guide to advance care planning in New York
As you go about your daily life, it is easy to put off thinking about the what-ifs. What if you were suddenly hospitalized and could not communicate your wishes to your loved ones? What if you suddenly could not make medical decisions for yourself? Many prefer not to...
Understanding your health care proxy’s decision-making power
A health care proxy grants someone extensive power over your medical care. When your doctor formally determines that you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself, your proxy steps into your shoes, making medical decisions as if they were you. However, this...
What are the limitations of advance directives?
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or have concerns about your future healthcare, advance care planning can help make sure your wishes are known and respected. Advance directives are a critical part of this process, allowing you to document your...
Do you use your will to divide life insurance payments?
A life insurance policy is an excellent way to leave financial assets to your family. If you pass away, you can provide them with financial security. Many people purchase life insurance policies when they become new parents. Even if the policy isn’t needed for...