Those with an interest in an estate often have questions about their rights and legal protections. For example, beneficiaries listed in someone's estate planning paperwork may assume that their right to an inheritance has strong protection under New York state law....
Probate
When undue influence may have corrupted the terms of a New York will
Adults in New York generally have the legal authority to draft a will or other estate planning documents. They can provide very clear instructions to other people about what should happen with their property after their passing. A will allows someone to leave...
How long does the New York probate process usually take?
When people know that a New York estate has to pass through probate court, they generally recognize that it will translate to a delay in the distribution of assets from the affected estate. Exactly how long people must wait to receive an inheritance will depend on...
2 ways to keep valuable assets out of probate court
Probate court proceedings are notorious for taking months to complete and for being very expensive. At least a portion of someone's assets will usually go toward estate administration costs, and if too many of their valuable assets go through probate court, they may...
Reasons to pick a professional as your estate executor
The vast majority of people name their spouse or one of their adult children as their estate executors – but that’s not always the wisest choice. You’re putting your estate plans together in the first place because you love your family, and you don’t want to cause...
Do you need witnesses for your New York will?
If you take the time and exert the energy to create a will, then you want the documents to hold up under legal scrutiny after you die. Your will ensures that your executor and the New York probate courts understand what you want to happen with your property or who you...
How can an executor avoid unnecessary probate challenges?
Taking care of an estate is hard enough without someone trying to challenge each of your actions in probate court. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take that will help limit the risk of an unnecessary challenge. Careful estate administration, understanding of...
Putting together an estate plan for your digital assets is a must
Many New Yorkers are very aware that they need to put their estates together if they want their loved ones to have access to inheritances and financial holdings after they pass. They understand the importance of having these items written down and filed with an...
Add estate planning review to your to-do list
You probably have dozens of tasks at work or around the house that you’ve been meaning to do. Perhaps you keep putting off cleaning out the garage, organizing your files or making that appointment with the dentist. If you have already created an estate plan, you can...
What happens when a parent dies without a will?
Handling the aftermath of your parent’s death can take time and determination. You must overcome your grief enough to make funeral plans and deal with the estate left behind. If your loved one planned with a will or trust, they may have dealt with some of that burden...