In today’s fast-paced world, where legal matters are becoming increasingly complex, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of intestate laws. These laws govern what happens to a person’s assets and property when they pass away without a valid will. In New York,...
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How can families prove undue influence in probate court?
The estate planning documents someone creates while still alive determine exactly what happens with their property when they die. Every adult who has acquired resources and taken on responsibilities to others, such as their children, has the legal right to decide for...
How do you change your child’s designated legal guardian?
Most parents who take the prudent step of drafting or updating their wills to designate a person to become the legal guardian of their child should both of them die or become unable to care for that child never have that unimaginable scenario occur. Many of the...
What is the process of contesting a will?
When a loved one passes away, dealing with the process of settling their estate can bring up an array of emotions. One of those emotions might be anger if there were certain expectations regarding inheritance. In that situation, there may be some discussion regarding...
Why a springing power of attorney is important
It’s important to have someone else in place to make certain decisions for you, such as using a medical power of attorney to give your agent the ability to make your medical choices. You may also use a power of attorney to give that individual the ability to make...
The key functions of a will
There are numerous legal tools that may be used in estate planning, but one of the most fundamental components of an individual’s documents is a will. A valid will in New York must be written, signed and witnessed by the maker of the will and two eligible witnesses in...
Tax mitigation vs. tax evasion: Essential business knowledge
Nobody wants to pay more taxes than they must, and every dollar your company keeps out of the government’s coffers is a dollar you can put back into your business. That makes it only natural to explore strategies to reduce your company’s tax liability. However,...
2 ways to update your will
Your existing will may not be your final one. Your life may change with time - you may get married/divorced or have a new child/grandchild. In addition, laws may change, a beneficiary or an involved party (the executor or guardian) may die or you may want to...
The executor’s rulebook: Understanding the boundaries of the role
Stepping into the role of an executor is no small task. As the individual entrusted with administering a deceased person's estate, the executor bears great responsibility and authority. However, it is crucial to understand that this authority also comes with...
Why are more parents jumping on the disinheritance bandwagon?
As a parent, you have critical decisions to make, sometimes even after your kids become adults. For example, you must decide how your estate should be distributed among your adult-aged children after you die. It sounds simple on paper, but true success depends on your...