Refer to our regularly updated blog to learn about a variety of family law and asset protection issues in New York, as well as concerns related to elder law and bankruptcy. We provide these posts to help prospective clients better understand their legal options so they can make informed decisions about how to best proceed with their case. If you would like to discuss your issue further, contact our office to schedule a consultation with attorney Theodore Alatsas.
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Estate planning is often viewed by Americans as a one-time task that can be filed away once completed.Without modifying your will after gifting cash during your lifetime, the named individual will still get the gift when the will enters probate.
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What Makes Divorce ComplicatedDivorce is rarely easy, but extenuating circumstances—from pregnancy to hidden assets—can make separation all the more difficult.
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Even in cases of inheritance, American families often treat stepchildren the same as biological children.Estate planning for blended families is key to a smooth inheritance process, especially since probate rules and intestate succession law do not treat step and biological children the same when it comes to inheriting.
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Guardianship Can Protect Your Finances and Your Voting RightsA DPOA is an important part of any estate plan. In your DPOA, you can name a person you trust to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to manage them yourself.
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Plan Your Estate and Avoid Undue InfluenceOften, family members do not find out about a change in estate plan until after their loved one has died.
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How Estate Planning Reduces Probate IssuesA revocable living trust transfers assets to the trust but allows access to them during your lifetime.
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Estate Planning and Tax ReformSince 2018, federal tax assessment on estates above $11.7 million, indexed for inflation every year, will default back to pre-2018 exemption levels on the first day of 2026.
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Accommodating Higher Education in a Child Support AgreementNew York courts have the authority to direct non-custodial parents to pay for a child’s college education, whether in part or in full.
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Estate Planning for the LGBTQIA+ CommunityWith proper estate planning, married same-sex couples may receive all federal and state benefits of marriage, including unlimited marital deductions for federal estate and gift taxes.
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Estate Planning for All AgesIn addition to thinking that estate planning is only for people in their later years, younger people often put off creating their estate plans because they aren’t thinking about the end of their lives or simply don’t want to think about death.
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Dying Intestate or Without a Will67 percent of Americans are currently leaving the outcome of their life to the laws of their state should they become incapacitated or die.
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Living Wills vs. the Medical Power of AttorneyA comprehensive estate plan could help you preserve your independence in the event that you are ever physically or mentally incapacitated.