When a child with disabilities receives a personal injury settlement, parents often face a crucial decision: how to manage these funds without jeopardizing essential government benefits. I've helped many families protect their children's financial future through Supplemental Needs trusts, particularly after receiving personal injury settlements.Read More

If you own commercial property, you’ve likely spent years building and managing your real estate investments. I’ve guided many property owners through the complex process of including these valuable assets in their estate plans. The truth is that passing down commercial property requires much more careful consideration than transferring a family home. Why Commercial Property...Read More

I often receive urgent calls from families with loved ones in the hospital. They’re concerned about getting legal documents in place quickly, especially if their loved one’s condition might deteriorate. It’s a delicate situation that requires immediate attention, but many wonder how to proceed when their family member can’t come to an attorney’s office. Understanding...Read More

I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of inadequate estate planning. Many parents overlook crucial aspects of securing their family’s future regardless of age. Whether you’re a new parent, think you’re too young for estate planning or haven’t updated your documents in years, this post is for you. Let’s explore some common estate planning mistakes and how to...Read More

Understanding the tools available for managing your estate is crucial when planning for the future. Two common tools in estate planning are revocable and irrevocable trusts. Both types of trusts help individuals manage their assets during their lifetimes and provide for the distribution of these assets after death. However, each type of trust serves different...Read More

As we round out another election season, focusing on how government policies might affect our families and finances is natural. However, as any experienced estate planning lawyer will tell you, a crucial aspect of your family’s future remains constant regardless of who’s in office: the need for a personalized estate plan. The Government’s Default Plan Here’s...Read More

Inheriting an IRA can be a significant financial event, and recent changes to the IRS rules make it crucial for beneficiaries to understand their obligations. These new regulations could significantly impact your inheritance in New York or elsewhere. I’ll explain the fundamental changes and how they could affect your financial planning. The 10-Year Rule: A...Read More

A step-up in basis may be one of an estate planner’s best tools. To truly understand how beneficial this tool is, it’s essential to first grasp the concept of basis. In simple terms, basis refers to what you initially paid for an asset. On the other hand, the amount realized refers to what you sell...Read More

Finding love later in life is a beautiful thing. But sometimes, the realities of life and past decisions can throw a wrench into the fairy tale. A common scenario I encounter as a New York estate lawyer involves couples where one spouse moves into a home owned by the other’s adult children. It’s a situation...Read More

As a single parent, your plate is already full. You’re juggling work, childcare, school activities, and maybe even a bit of “me time” (if you’re lucky!). It’s understandable that estate planning might not be at the top of your to-do list. But let’s face it: one of the biggest worries for single parents is, “What...Read More