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If you live in New York, you’ve probably heard this advice: “Just add your child to your house deed or bank account so it won’t go through probate.” It sounds simple, but this “shortcut” can create bigger problems than the probate  process you’re trying to avoid.  In many cases, adding a family member to your assets immediately takes away your legal control and makes your real wishes hard, or impossible, to enforce later. There are safer ways to avoid New York probate withou

So, you’ve finally made it mortgage paid, house looking good, and you’re thinking, “It’s time to put the kids’ names on the deed, so they’ll avoid probate and headaches down the road.” Sounds simple, right? But before you grab a pen (or call your lawyer), let’s pump the brakes and talk about why this “good deed” might backfire in the long run.   The Good Intentions Trap Of course, you love your kids and want to make life easier for them. Adding them to your home’s deed feels

Big news for New Yorkers: as of July 19, 2024, Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds are officially here! If you’ve been wondering if there’s an easier way to leave your home to loved ones without court delays, this is a big win. At Sammartino & Sultan Law Group, we’re excited to break down how TOD deeds work, what makes them awesome, and reasons you might want to chat with an estate planning attorney before signing anything.   What’s Changed? No more jumping through hoops just to ke

When administering an estate, executors or administrators may be required to obtain a probate bond. This crucial step protects...

Many married couples assume that when one spouse passes away, the other will automatically inherit everything without the need for...

Probate often brings to mind the distribution of a deceased person’s assets, but this legal process covers much more. It is rooted in...