Let’s be honest — most people don’t jump out of bed eager to chat about estate planning (except us, of course!).  Most people don’t know what to ask or what even matters until it’s crunch time. So, we’ve pulled together the top 10 questions everyone should ask an estate planning attorney and added our answers as a guide. After all, making plans for your legacy should feel empowering, not intimidating.

Tempted to use a DIY will or online estate planning tool? While these services promise a quick solution, you run the risk of creating more problems than you solve. Estate planning is more than filling out a form; it’s a detailed process that protects your loved ones and secures your legacy. Unfortunately, what you don’t know can hurt your loved ones. Before you commit to estate planning through some anonymous website, read this blog to learn about five of the most common dangers of DIY estate planning.

As the year winds down, it's the perfect time to review your estate and tax planning, ensuring your strategy still aligns with your evolving goals and life changes!

Year-end planning extends far beyond simply checking boxes for tax deductions or organizing paperwork. It's about protecting the people and values that matter most to you. With the ever-changing tax laws and the twists and turns of life, taking a fresh look at your estate plan gives you confidence that your wishes will be honored, no matter what comes your way.

If you're caring for an aging parent, a loved one with disabilities, or a child facing an unexpected life event, you may need to consider petitioning the court for guardianship. In New York, there are three guardianship types: Article 81, which applies to adults over the age of 18; Article 17A, designed for individuals living with developmental or intellectual disabilities prior to the age of 21; and Article 17, which is meant for minors' who are entitled to certain assets prior to the age of 18. Understanding which option applies will help you make the right decision and protect those you love.

Your grandmother's jewelry sits safely in a lockbox, but what about the $500 sitting in your Venmo account? As our lives become increasingly digital and online assets become more valuable, estate planning is evolving to protect assets that exist only in the cloud.

Most people are unaware that without proper planning, your loved ones may find themselves locked out of digital accounts containing both financial and sentimental value if something happens to you.

While no one wants to contemplate scenarios where they're potentially unable to care for their children due to incapacity or passing, the reality is that life is unpredictable, and these events can happen to anyone. 

Appropriate documentation and planning are essential to preventing avoidable disruptions to your child(ren)'s daily lives. Without the necessary documents in place, guardians and financial decision-makers may need to be appointed through court proceedings, which can drain valuable time and money. Additionally, critical expenses, such as school fees, medical care, or mortgage payments, might be held up or even go unpaid until someone can gain access to your resources.

Celebrating love and progress this Pride Month also means planning ahead! Understanding legal protections for LGBTQIA+ and non-traditional relationships is a powerful way to honor your love and legacy.

Managing legal and administrative tasks after the loss of a loved one can be a lot to handle, especially when it comes to probate.  If you've heard of probate, you might think it sounds confusing or stressful. However, probate is a legal process to ensure a person's estate is administered properly and that assets are distributed according to their wishes. 

Owning a home isn't just a financial investment; it often represents years of hard work, cherished memories, and a legacy for loved ones. For homeowners, ensuring your home is protected throughout life’s various transitions can be a significant component of estate planning.

But how? That's where estate planning tools like trusts, deeds, and powers of attorney come in! This guide will help you understand the key strategies for protecting your property and ensuring it aligns with your personal long-term goals.

Parenthood comes with incredible joys and significant responsibilities, like ensuring your kids are cared for if life throws an unexpected twist. One of the most crucial parts of estate planning is naming a guardian for your minor children. But if you’re like most millennials juggling a career, travel plans, and modern family dynamics, this task can feel daunting.  

Here’s the good news: planning for guardianship of your children doesn’t have to be a stressful or complicated process. With preparation and clear direction, you can build an individualized plan that works best for your family, offering peace of mind that your children will be in good hands no matter what happens. 

Buying a home with your partner is a thrilling milestone, but for unmarried couples, this decision comes with some unique challenges and additional considerations. Unlike married couples, who often have additional legal protections and explicit default rules, unmarried couples should take extra steps to ensure that their investment is protected. How you approach this process now can make all the difference later, from avoiding unnecessary legal complications to fostering a stronger sense of teamwork as a couple! 

In today's ever-evolving work landscape, more individuals are finding themselves drawn to the freedoms and challenges of the gig economy. Whether you're a social media influencer, freelance writer, or a gig worker with platforms like Uber or DoorDash, the non-traditional work environment offers flexibility but presents unique challenges, especially with regard to estate planning. Understanding how to protect your freelance income and assets is essential for ensuring financial stability and fulfilling your wishes.