Estate planning is a critical step in managing your assets and securing your family's future. While a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach may seem appealing and cost-effective, it's important to understand the potential pitfalls. Here are five key pitfalls of DIY estate planning that you need to keep in mind. 1. State-Specific Legal Nuances: Each state has unique laws that govern estate planning. These legal differences can significantly impact the validity of your estate plan. Without specialized legal knowledge, you might inadvertently create a plan that doesn't comply with your state's [...]

National Estate Planning Awareness Week is here, and at the Law Offices of Tracy R. Field PLLC, we are dedicated to helping you secure your family's future and protect your legacy. During this special week, we want to emphasize the importance of estate planning and share valuable insights with you. Understanding Estate Planning:  Estate planning is often misunderstood as something only the wealthy need to worry about. In reality, it's crucial for individuals and families of all financial backgrounds. Estate planning involves creating a legal plan to distribute [...]

While for many of us, August is the last month of summer; it is also a significant month for another reason. It's dedicated to something we all must consider: our wills. Yes, it's National Make a Will Month, a critical reminder for every adult to think about creating or updating their will and other components of their estate plan. Whether you have a vast estate or a few cherished possessions, a will is an essential estate planning tool that maps out how your wishes should be carried out [...]

Exploring the Revocable Living Trust: A Revocable Living Trust is a type of agreement often used in estate planning. This agreement involves three roles: The person who creates the Trust - known as the Grantor or Settlor. The person who manages the Trust - called the Trustee. The people who benefit from the Trust - called the Beneficiaries. In most situations, the Grantor chooses to be the initial Trustee and can decide to add or remove assets from the Trust during their lifetime for their benefit. For instance, money [...]

You might think that estate planning is only for the ultra-rich - those who own fancy cars, multiple houses, or have millions stashed away in the bank. This is a common myth that often leads people to ignore the importance of estate planning. The reality is, no matter how much or how little you own, an estate plan can offer you peace of mind and security. Protecting Your Assets, No Matter How Big or Small When you're no longer here, wouldn't you like your assets, whether a small [...]

Choosing the right executor for your Will is a crucial decision in estate planning. The executor is responsible for administering your estate according to your wishes and ensuring proper asset distribution. When selecting an executor in New York, it's important to consider the following factors.           1. Trustworthiness and Integrity: Choose a trustworthy executor who exhibits unwavering integrity. They will have significant control over your assets and must act in the best interests of your estate and beneficiaries. High ethical standards are crucial for fulfilling your final wishes. [...]

Estate planning is the process of organizing and managing your financial affairs during your lifetime and determining how those affairs will be handled after your death. It involves making decisions about who will inherit your property, who will manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, and who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. There are several key documents that are typically part of an estate plan, including: A will: A legal document that specifies how you want your property [...]

What is a Will? The term 'estate planning' often brings to mind the concept of a Last Will and Testament, also known as a Will. A Will is often a fundamental component in estate planning. Therefore it's crucial to understand the essence of a Will. Last Will and Testament A Will comes into play when you are no longer here. It outlines how your estate should be distributed after you pass away. If prepared correctly, it should also nominate an executor. This person will administer your estate according [...]

Estate planning is often misunderstood. Some people think it's only for the wealthy or older individuals, but that's not true. Estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of age or financial situation. Did you know that most of the estate planning documents we create are meant to be used during your lifetime? One of the most crucial documents is the Durable Power of Attorney. By creating a Durable Power of Attorney, you can choose someone to handle your legal and financial matters on your behalf. This power goes [...]

A basic estate plan is more than a Last Will and Testament. It involves several indispensable planning tools to assist with distributing your assets when you are no longer here, as well as tools that can be helpful in the event of incapacity. Here's a breakdown of these fundamental components: Last Will & Testament: This planning tool outlines your wishes about the distribution of your assets upon your death. It involves the appointment of an Executor, a trusted individual who will administer your estate per your wishes. If [...]