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

When someone passes away in New York without a will and their only major asset is real estate, families often wonder: “Do we really need...

When it comes to planning for the future, one big question is: Should I have a will, a trust, or both? Let’s break down what each does,...