One of the most common allegations when contesting a will is undue influence. This occurs when it is believed that a person coerced the deceased into making changes to their will that benefit them unfairly. It can be challenging to show that someone manipulated your...
Year: 2022
Mistakes to avoid when creating a will
No one wants to think about a time when they won’t be around. However, failing to put the proper planning tools in place, such as a will, can cause a lot of hassle for your loved ones when you pass away. While intestate laws are in place to determine what happens to...
The purpose of a spendthrift trust
A spendthrift trust is a tool that allows you to provide a secure financial future for your child who has difficulty managing money. Your child will receive incremental payments on a schedule that you devise when you set up the trust. This ensures that your child will...
Key updates you need for your estate plan after divorce
Divorce comes with serious implications not only for you but also for your finances and your loved ones’ future. If you created an estate plan while married, it is in your best interest to review and update it as soon as your divorce is final. Here are important...
What do you risk when you challenge a New York will?
A loved one made the effort to create an estate plan, so you probably want to honor their last wishes. However, what if you believe the only way to fulfill their legacy is to challenge the documents in their estate plan? Maybe you learn that the instructions they...
The risks you take with a do-it-yourself will
People are often put off by estate planning. Talking about your own death can be daunting, and to some, it seems morbid. As such, it is estimated that well over 50% of the population has no will in place. Some choose to get around this hesitation by creating a will on...
Is it too early to make a will or trust?
At some point in everyone’s lives, we realize that our estate will be left to the wolves after we pass — unless we first establish a will or trust. With today’s medical endeavors that grant us a taste of immortality, allowing people to live into advanced age, you...
A disinherited heir may start a dispute
You certainly have a right to disinherit anyone you want when you're making your estate plan. Your children may all expect to get the same amount of money from you, but you can leave one of these children out. There's no law against doing so, and what you plan to do...
What is joint tenancy and how does it impact your estate plan?
Most people wonder whether they should create an estate plan or not. However, pretty much everyone appreciates that having an estate plan simplifies estate administration while ensuring that your assets go to the right people when you pass on. One of the most common...
Don’t neglect your safe deposit box in your estate plan
Safe deposit boxes (sometimes known as safety deposit boxes or lockboxes) aren’t as commonly used as they once were because so many of our important documents are now accessible online and home safes are more common. However, if you have jewelry, coins or documents...