Selecting Your Agents
When preparing your estate plan, you will have to make at least three significant decisions: who to select as the executor of your will, your agent under a power of attorney, and your agent via a health care proxy. Depending upon the complexity of your estate plan, you may also need to select trustee(s), guardian(s) of… Read More »
What Is An Elder Law Attorney?
Elder Law Attorneys do more than simply draft wills and trusts, we also plan for future medical and long term care needs. We have very specific knowledge of the various and complex laws and regulations concerning Medicaid, Social Security and income, estate taxes, among others. And it’s our job to implement planning techniques and strategies particular… Read More »
Advance Directives to Preserve Family Harmony
Most people we work with understand the importance of estate planning and preserving assets. But many overlook their most valued asset: family harmony. Keeping that in mind, there are certain options you may consider when planning your advance directives and/or estate to foster a more harmonious administration of your estate and forestall potentially contentious situations: The… Read More »
Living Wills
A Living Will is a legal document in which you state your wishes regarding future health care. While New York State does not have any statutes governing Living Wills, the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, has found Living Wills are valid if they provide “clear and convincing” evidence of one’s wishes. Generally, the Living… Read More »
UNDERSTANDING A HEALTH CARE PROXY
Richard, an 81 year-old widower, has had his Will and advanced directive documents (Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Living Will) in order for some time. His daughter, Beth, was named his Health Care Agent in his health care proxy. Of his children, she lived the closest and often accompanied him to doctors’ appointments… Read More »