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When creating a trust, you face a critical decision: Do you want your beneficiaries to receive guaranteed checks, or do you want your trustee to decide when and if they get paid? The latter is called discretionary authority, and while it sounds strict, it’s often the kindest way to protect…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…