When planning for the future, families often face the task of making decisions about how to divide and manage their assets. For blended families, this process can be even more complicated. Blended families are those that include children, stepchildren, and spouses from previous relationships. The unique structure of these families creates specific challenges that must […]

New York health care proxies and living wills are traditional advance health care directives for adults 18 years of age and older. These documents are signed when people have capacity and only apply when they no longer have medical decision-making capacity. To complement the use of traditional advance directives and facilitate the communication of medical orders impacting […]

When people start planning for the future, they often think about retirement funds, travel plans, or family gatherings, but many overlook one of the most critical areas of life—long-term care. Long-term care can be essential in later years, especially if individuals need help with daily tasks like dressing, eating, and bathing. These services can be […]

In today’s world, most of us have digital lives. Whether it’s an email account, social media, or online banking, we all have digital assets. These assets can include things like photos, videos, and important documents stored online. Many people do not realize how important it is to have a plan in place to protect these […]

Estate planning is an essential step for everyone, but for high-net-worth individuals in Buffalo, NY, it takes on even more importance. When you have a large amount of assets, the stakes are higher when it comes to making sure your wealth is protected, passed on, and managed properly. Estate planning is not just about writing […]

Estate planning is a crucial process for anyone who wishes to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. However, one of the most significant concerns for individuals in Buffalo, New York, when engaging in estate planning is the potential cost of probate. Probate is the legal process through […]

Estate planning is a crucial aspect of ensuring that your assets and wishes are managed and distributed according to your preferences after your passing. While creating an estate plan is a significant step, it is equally important to keep it updated to reflect changes in your life circumstances, legal requirements, and personal wishes. In Buffalo, […]

Navigating the probate process in New York can be a challenging and time-consuming task for many individuals. Probate involves the legal procedure of validating a deceased person’s will, settling their debts, and distributing the remaining assets to their beneficiaries. The complexities of this process often lead to delays, legal fees, and potential conflicts among heirs. […]

New York Transfer on Death (“TOD”) deeds can be used effective July 20, 2024. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to TOD deeds which you should discuss with a NY estate planning attorney. The alternatives to TOD deeds to avoid probate are: 1. Life Estate Deeds 2. Intervivos (Living) Trusts; 3. Joint tenancy with the […]