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Retirement Planning


student loans

Ask the Estate Planning Attorney: What Happens to My Student Loans When I Die?

May 23, 2017

The landscape for student loans is on the cusp of changing drastically. With recent changes in New York State potentially offering free tuition to millions of students down the road, the end of student loans — at least in New York — may very well be on the horizon. Of course, that doesn’t do much Read More

early inheritance

Considering Leaving Your Child an Early Inheritance? Why That May Be a Good Idea

May 16, 2017

You’ve worked hard to provide your family and ensure that they’re taken care of, both now and after you’re gone. It’s only natural to want the best for your family — whether that’s your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews…whomever! And when you think of ways to take care of and want the best for your children, Read More

Mistakes with Wills for Grandparents

Three Mistakes Grandparents Make With Their Wills

January 28, 2017

Certain individuals – especially grandparents – may have been through the estate planning process before.  “Will – yep; Health Care Proxy – got it!; Power of Attorney – check and mate!!” Even though you may have your documents and plan in place, mistakes can still be made. Grandparents: Don’t Make These Critical Mistakes With Your Read More

Article 17-A Guardianship

An Introduction to Article 17A Guardianships

December 16, 2016

In New York State, parents of a person with an intellectual or developmental disability are deemed the Parent and Natural Guardian of that person until they turn 18. Once the disabled party has reached the age of 18, New York State law indicates that he/she is a competent adult who should be able to manage Read More

Power of Attorney Modifications

Power of Attorney: Part 3 >> Important PoA Modifications

November 25, 2016

Several weeks ago, I explained the basic “What” and “Why” of a Power of Attorney document in Part 1 of this blog series. My goal: To provide a basic understanding of the Power of Attorney document and why it’s extremely important for every family. In Part 2, I examined the basic powers granted in a Read More

What is a Health Care Proxy (And Why Does it Matter)?

November 11, 2016

If you’ve ever had an outpatient or inpatient medical procedure, chances are you’ve been asked if you have a health care proxy. If you’re in generally good health and are pretty young, you probably don’t have a health care proxy and haven’t really thought about one. Taking a few minutes to understand health care proxies, Read More