Estate Planning

Estate Planning

Make the most of your New York joint tenancy plan

Planning your estate in New York can be a complex process. You can use several methods to give beneficiaries access to your funds. The trick is to find one that will sidestep your need to go to court. One of the best arrangements you can use will be joint tenancy....

What role do testamentary letters play in estate administration?

Being an estate executor in New York requires an enormous amount of responsibility. Executors take care of the financial responsibilities involved with the estate. Before an executor can handle these responsibilities, they must obtain a letter of testamentary. Roles...

Understanding charitable remainder trusts in New York

For philanthropic-minded investors hoping to minimize taxes while generating income for themselves or their heirs in New York, a charitable remainder trust (CRT) is an effective planning tool. A CRT is a type of trust that allows the grantor to transfer assets into...

2023 Estate taxes explained: who pays and how much?

The state levies a tax on estates exceeding a specific fair market value in New York. Every estate is also subject to federal taxes, with a more generous exemption. The estate tax is sometimes confused with the inheritance tax, but the two are separate and affect...

A guide on how to make a will

Making a will is an important step in ensuring that your assets and possessions are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. While it may not be the most pleasant thing to think about, creating a will in New York can provide peace of mind and ensure...

Is charitable giving in your New York estate plan?

It's crucial that you know what's going to happen with your financial future beyond your own lifetime. With everything else there is to worry about during the process of forming your estate plan in New York, it leaves charitable giving often forgotten about and pushed...

Give your family the gift of an estate plan

Many New York residents put off developing an estate plan because thinking about death makes them feel uncomfortable. This is completely understandable, but people who are able to tackle these thorny issues rarely regret doing so. With an estate plan in place, you...

What are the top estate planning mistakes in New York?

More people now realize the importance of an estate plan, but some are making mistakes in setting theirs up. Common mistakes that testators make in New York are forgetting to update it and failing to recognize the full financial implications. Setting it and forgetting...

Roadblocks with high-net-worth estate plans in New York

Dealing with the death of a loved one can be hard for New York families under the best of circumstances. However, issues with an estate plan can cause even more emotional and financial hardship for the family, especially if the deceased leaves behind a large estate....

Tips for writing a final will and testament

Writing a will can be daunting for some New York family members. It's common to want to ensure your final wishes are carried out as you desire. Consider essential factors before writing your will on a napkin. The napkin would be a legal document. However, probate laws...