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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

Blended and non-traditional families are everywhere these days and that’s a wonderful thing! But when it comes to estate planning , they bring unique challenges. According to Pew Research , 1 in 6 children live in a blended family. Two-parent households are on the decline in the U.S., as divorce, remarriage, and cohabitation rise. Blended families often include step-kids, half-siblings, and kids from previous marriages, turning what might be a straightforward plan for a tradi

When people in New York think about estate planning , they often imagine it’s only for the wealthy. But the truth is, tools like revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts can benefit families of all sizes, whether you own a Brooklyn brownstone, a Long Island home, or a small co-op apartment in Queens. At Sammartino & Sultan Law Group, one of the most common questions we hear is: What’s the difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust and which one should I choo

When most people hear “estate planning,” they picture the rich or folks heading into retirement. But here’s the truth, if you’re over 18,...

It is essential to recognize that estate planning is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing process that should evolve alongside...

Creating a revocable living trust is one of the most significant steps you can take in estate planning, but it’s just the beginning. If...

We often encounter questions about co-ops and trusts, particularly in the context of New York City real estate. Here's a comprehensive...