Probate in New York is the legal process of validating a will and managing a loved one’s estate through Surrogate’s Court. Learn when probate is required, which assets can skip it, and the key steps—filing, notifying heirs, paying debts, and distributing assets. Get clear, compassionate guidance to navigate probate efficiently and avoid delays.

When your child turns 18, you lose automatic access to their medical and financial information under privacy laws like HIPAA. Learn which legal documents every young adult needs—Patient Advocate Designation, HIPAA Authorization, and Financial Power of Attorney—to ensure parents can make critical decisions in emergencies and avoid costly court petitions for guardianship.

Elder abuse—especially financial exploitation—is a growing concern in estate planning and probate. Learn key warning signs, from unexplained transactions to sudden changes in estate documents, and discover preventive steps families and estate planners can take. Explore legal remedies such as conservatorships, restraining orders, and restitution to protect vulnerable seniors and their assets.

Your estate plan isn’t “set it and forget it.” Life changes—like marriage, divorce, new children, or major financial shifts—can make your plan outdated. Learn the 12 key times to update your estate plan to protect assets, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes align with current New York estate and tax laws. Stay prepared.

Probate is the court process of settling a person’s estate after death, but it can be slow, costly, and public. To avoid it, consider a revocable living trust, name beneficiaries on accounts, hold property jointly, or use New York’s small estate option for assets under $50,000.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” brings major estate tax changes for NY taxpayers. Starting 2026, the federal exemption rises to $15M per person and sunsets are canceled. Learn how this affects estate, gift, and GST taxes, plus key New York State rules, rates, and planning strategies to minimize taxes and protect your wealth.

Avoid costly estate mistakes with real Brooklyn probate case lessons. From missing wills to family disputes, outdated trusts, and Medicaid missteps, these stories reveal how poor planning leads to probate nightmares. Learn how to protect your legacy, prevent family conflict, and ensure your estate plan reflects your true wishes with expert legal guidance.

Learn what probate is, why it can be costly and time-consuming, and discover smart strategies to avoid it—like revocable trusts, beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and small estate planning.

The essential factors to keep in mind when choosing a guardian for your little ones. Without a formal guardianship designation in place, the courts will decide who raises your children - and their choice may not align with your wishes.

Starting January 1st, 2026, the federal estate, gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer exemption jumps to $15 million per person/$30 million per married couple.

Whether it's marriage, divorce, or another major life event, your estate plan needs to reflect your current wishes and circumstances. From updating beneficiaries to redefining powers of attorney, timely adjustments are crucial to protecting your future. Don't leave your legacy to chance.

It’s never easy bringing up topics like wills and trusts with your parents — but it’s one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have. Want guidance on how to approach it with clarity and care?