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What is probate? What do you need to know about it? Upon your death, the probate process ensures that all your estate debts are paid and that your beneficiaries receive your assets. If you don’t come from a legal background, understanding some critical aspects of probate can help you make informed estate planning decisions.  At […]

Melville, NY Estate Planning Lawyers explain special needs trusts. Call (631) 756-6006 to schedule a consultation.  As millions of Baby Boomers become part of the elderly population, many make arrangements for their retirement and long-term medical care. However, this demographic also acts as primary caregivers for many non-elderly disabled children who will need sufficient care […]

In New York, residents who need Medicaid for home care have to qualify for the assistance, which means they cannot earn income above the Medicaid limit. The unfortunate truth about these limits is that many family members make too much to qualify for Medicaid assistance, but they don’t earn enough to pay for home care […]

Many people in New York with low-income status require Medicaid assistance to cover community-based long-term care (CBLTC) services. On March 25, 2021, the state of New York (State) submitted their Waiver Amendment Request – Application for 1115 Waiver Authority to Implement a 30-month Transfer of Assets Lookback for Community Based Long-Term Care Services (Waiver Amendment) […]

Individuals with disabilities require ongoing care and advocacy well into adulthood. A big part of advocating for family members with disabilities is making sure they don't miss out on the social services they'll need for the rest of their lives. A supplemental needs trust (SNT) allows New York families and guardians to create a financial […]

Our firm receives a lot of inquiries about the qualification process for Medicaid if there is ever a need. In particular, many clients look to downsize their residence and move to the suburbs later in life. They are concerned about how to protect the equity they’ve built in their previous home. Medicaid Planning Common questions […]

We have seen many clients selling houses within certain areas of New York who have benefited from increased real estate growth and value. In such areas, when the asset gains value, or the neighborhood has developed, many owners decide to downsize — perhaps moving to the suburbs, a condo, or a co-op. The most common […]

This case demonstrates the consequences of not having a carefully drafted Last Will and Testament. Best. Tipper. Ever. An unmarried, childless Manhattan man left his $4.2 million fortune to the building workers of his longtime Sutton Place home in a handwritten will — but the bachelor’s nephew is fighting them in court to claim the […]

Have you ever asked yourself: Do I need a will? Pop culture’s portrayal of a will execution and the probate process has resulted in many misconceptions including but not limited to: • All assets will automatically go the surviving spouse; and • The state will take money from the estate if there is no will.