Blog

What Are Estate Taxes?
Estate taxes are often misunderstood, yet they play a significant role in estate planning—especially for New Yorkers. These taxes are imposed by the Federal Government and some states when a person passes away. They are based on the total value of the person’s estate at the time of death. If…

When Will I Receive My Inheritance From An Estate?
One of the most common questions families ask after the death of a loved one is: “When will I receive my inheritance?” The honest lawyer’s answer is, It depends. While it would be nice if inheritances were paid out quickly and easily, the probate and estate administration process is rarely…

How Long Does It Take to Get Inheritance Money From an Estate?
For families in New York, a common question after a loved one passes is “How long does it take to get inheritance money?”. The answer is not straightforward, since the time to receive assets can differ widely based on the estate’s complexity, whether a valid will exists, any disputes that…

What Happens If Your Partner Passes Away?
If you have suffered the loss of your life partner, my heart goes out to you: few things in this world are quite as devastating. As a probate lawyer, I know grief can debilitate, and the ‘to-do’ list in the immediate aftermath can seem impossible to manage. Please understand: you…

Key Parties to a Trust
This article will focus on some of the key parties to a trust. There are generally three parties to a trust; the grantor, trustee, and beneficiaries. The Grantor or Settlor is the person that creates the trust. This person will discuss with their attorney their wishes for the trust and…

I Received a Waiver of Citation – What Is That?
When a loved one passes away, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty. Amidst the emotional toll, there are often legal matters that must be addressed—especially when the person who passed owned assets in their name alone. In these situations, a court must appoint someone to handle their…