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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…

Recent news about Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy’s passing has highlighted a crucial but often overlooked aspect of estate planning—the timing of death between spouses, especially in blended families. I’ve seen how this timing can significantly impact inheritance outcomes and potentially create complications for heirs. The Hackman Case: Why…

The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law in 2022, introduced significant changes to retirement accounts, impacting everything from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to beneficiary inheritance rules. These updates are crucial for individuals planning their estates as they affect how retirement assets are distributed and taxed after death. As a New…

When planning for the future, most people are familiar with the concept of a will. A will lets you state who should receive your assets after you pass away. However, a will alone might not be enough when your loved ones have specific needs—whether due to age, financial instability, or…

Undue influence in estate planning can lead to serious legal and emotional consequences. Legally, it can result in the invalidation of a will or trust, lengthy court battles, and financial loss for rightful heirs. Emotionally, it often causes family conflict, mistrust, and lasting resentment among loved ones, making an already…

As a New York trust lawyer, I’ve seen how storms in life can come in all shapes and sizes—health crises, divorce, or losing a loved one. And, of course, there are the literal storms: hurricanes, floods, and fires that can damage property and uproot lives. In recent months, you may…