With a new semester on the horizon, any New York family sending a student to college, whether living on campus or commuting from home, can benefit from a college legal checklist. While students choose classes and pack their dorm necessities, parents should help their children prepare the paperwork that allows them to step in during a medical or financial emergency. Handle these documents now so your student can dive into campus life and you can breathe a little easier back home. 1. Health Care Proxy and HIPAA Release [...]

Thinking about opening a joint bank account with an adult child in New York? Adding your child to an account can feel like the fastest way to let them pay bills or access cash in an emergency. Before you sign the paperwork adding them to your account, take a closer look at the risks. Co-ownership Gives Your Child Full Access The moment your child’s name is on the account, New York law treats the money as belonging to both of you. Your child can withdraw the full balance [...]

Estate planning for blended families in New York needs extra care. When your family includes children from a prior relationship, stepchildren, or a second marriage, a simple plan may not protect everyone you love. Without precise planning, your children can be accidentally disinherited, or your spouse may face unexpected financial challenges. So what can you do? Consider taking the time to create a clear estate plan to help avoid misunderstandings and maintain peace among your family and loved ones. Why Estate Planning Differs for Blended Families In many [...]

Families rely on the presence and care of those who take on the role of “dad.” Whether you’re a biological father, stepdad, guardian, or uncle, your involvement shapes lives, and thoughtful estate planning can become a lasting expression of that care. With work, family commitments, sports practice, school dropoff, and daily routines, it’s easy to postpone planning for the future. A well-crafted estate plan helps make sure those you care about stay [...]

Mother's Day is a time to acknowledge and reflect on the women who shape their families in countless ways. Many women are the ones coordinating school drop-offs, managing doctor’s appointments, juggling work and family schedules, and making sure everyone has what they need, often all at once. Whether you're raising young children, supporting older ones, helping with grandchildren, or caring for loved ones, your role leaves a lasting impact, even if it isn't always recognized in the moment. Amid daily responsibilities, it can be easy to put off [...]

Like most people, talking about estate planning with your family probably isn't something you're looking forward to. It brings up tough topics—aging, money, death—which aren't light dinner conversations. However, knowing how to talk to your family about estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to avoid confusion and conflict in the future. Most people I speak with say the same thing: they don't want to leave a mess behind. They want to ensure their affairs are in order so their family can manage [...]

Most people think about estate planning but never follow through and create one. Unfortunately, when there's no clear plan, probate or administration in New York becomes a likely reality for those left behind. Like a box of chocolates, these court processes are full of surprises—some good, some bad, and some that leave a bitter taste. Some estates move through the legal system fairly smoothly, with assets reaching heirs without major issues. Others, however, get stuck in a web of court procedures, legal fees, and family disputes that drag [...]

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you couldn’t make your own medical decisions? It’s not something most of us like to consider, but planning ahead is essential. In New York, the legal document that allows you to designate a trusted person to make medical choices for you is called a Health Care Proxy. Think about it—you wouldn’t leave your financial decisions to chance, so why risk having your medical choices made by someone who doesn’t know your wishes? By appointing a health care agent, you [...]

Why do people avoid estate planning? Most people know they should do it, but they put it off for one reason or another. Some don't want to think about their mortality, others feel overwhelmed by the process, and many believe they have plenty of time to figure it out later. Avoiding estate planning might seem harmless now, but it can create significant headaches later. Without a plan, your family may face legal complications, financial burdens, and potential conflicts over your assets. If you've been putting off estate planning, [...]

Divorce is not only an emotional and personal transition but also a significant legal and financial turning point. Amid the many changes accompanying the end of a marriage, if you are going through a divorce, revisiting your estate plan is a crucial step that you should consider. An outdated estate plan may no longer reflect your wishes and could inadvertently benefit your ex-spouse or fail to protect your loved ones. To ensure your estate plan aligns with your new life circumstances, consider the following essential steps: 1. Update [...]