Special needs trusts (SNTs) are important tools for individuals with disabilities who need to maintain eligibility for government benefits while still having access to funds to supplement their needs and enhance their quality of life. They provide a mechanism for...
Helping others is the most noble and satisfying thing one can do. It not only brings happiness to those in need but also gives the helper a sense of purpose and fulfillment. If you feel philanthropic in New York, it's only right to ensure you know the best ways to...
While a last will and testament might be the most common way people transfer assets to family members and other beneficiaries after their death, another option exists. Estate planning in New York may involve setting up a trust, which can allow certain assets to...
A trust may be a powerful estate planning tool if you are hoping to avoid probate and retain control of your assets. When structured properly, it may prevent beneficiaries from squandering their inheritances or using funds in a manner that you don't agree with....
Trusts are an essential estate planning tool in New York and around the country. They can provide benefits such as tax savings, asset protection and significant flexibility in managing your finances after you die or become incapacitated. As you consider different...
A charitable lead trust (CLT) is a type of trust that is commonly used for charitable giving and tax planning purposes. A New York donor creates a CLT by transferring property to a trustee for the benefit of a charity. How a CLT works A charitable lead trust sets up a...
What happens when the grantor trust that's been set up was intended to be defective? Sometimes, they're supposed to be that way. IDGTs are a type of grantor trust that is purposefully broken by design so that the New York grantor can ensure that the income tax...
Transfer on death or payable on death accounts make people question whether they should create revocable trusts. TOD and POD accounts avoid the probate process after someone dies. New York allows a person to register stocks and bonds in a TOD account. There are pros...
If you leave behind an inheritance for your special needs child in New York, they may become ineligible for government benefits. They must wait until they have used their inheritance to apply again for government benefits. The way to prevent this from happening is to...
If you live in New York and you are preparing an estate plan, you might be interested in giving a portion of your estate to charity. With a charitable remainder trust, you can still provide for beneficiaries and may be able to take advantage of a tax deduction as...