A testator has the ability to name anyone as executor of his or her estate. The executor is responsible for carrying out the administrative process of an estate and is not required to have prior experience or knowledge in the field. In New York State, the court usually honors the nomination of an executor selected by the testator unless there are grounds for disqualification. Continue reading “Executor Ineligibility”
Tag: estate planning
What To Do If You Don’t Have The Original Last Will And Testament
Probate is the process in Surrogates Court where a Last Will and Testament is proved and accepted, an executor is appointed and all assets are distributed to the intended recipients as stated in the Will. Joint assets with a right of survivorship, life insurance policies or other assets that name a beneficiary are not probated. The probate process includes paying estate taxes, debts, taxes and administrative costs, as well as distributing assets to the intended beneficiaries. Continue reading “What To Do If You Don’t Have The Original Last Will And Testament”
Don’t Forget to Sign a Spousal Refusal
To be eligible for Medicaid, which is a need-based program, certain income and asset requirements must be met. Oftentimes, one spouse will require care in a skilled nursing facility, while the other spouse continues to reside in the community home. More often than not, the spouse residing in the community home depends largely on joint income and assets in order to continue to pay necessary expenses. For this reason, Medicaid provides certain spousal allowances, which allow the community spouse to retain his or her income plus the institutionalized spouse’s income up to a total of $3,022.50. Continue reading “Don’t Forget to Sign a Spousal Refusal”
NY ABLE Program
The New York Achieving a Better Life Experience (NY ABLE) program is a savings plan for individuals with disabilities. The program allows those with disabilities to save money in their name without jeopardizing their benefits.
Continue reading “NY ABLE Program”
Guardianship Proceedings in New York State
New York State offers two types of guardianship proceedings for adults:
- Article 17-A guardianship under the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA)
- Article 81 guardianship under the Mental Hygiene Law (MHL)
While both of these proceedings involve a court being petitioned to appoint a guardian to care for the needs and property of another, there are some differences. Continue reading “Guardianship Proceedings in New York State”
Disinheriting A Child May Result in a Will Contest
A disinherited child has the right to contest a parent’s Will if he or she is disinherited, not named as a beneficiary or left with a disproportionate share. In accordance with the laws of estate administration, a disinherited child is allowed to contest a Will because he or she would have been entitled to a share of a parent’s estate if he or she had died without a Will. Continue reading “Disinheriting A Child May Result in a Will Contest”
Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee
It is important for a named trustee to understand his or her duties and responsibilities. A trustee is responsible for safeguarding the trust assets for the settlor and his or her beneficiaries. A trustee has a fiduciary responsibility, which holds an individual to a higher ethical standard. A trustee shall adhere to the trust documents in order to remain compliant with the settlor’s wishes. In addition, a trustee should be aware that the failure to follow the terms of a trust document could result in their discharge and the forfeiture of commissions. Continue reading “Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee”
Elderly Population and Financial Abuse
Recent reports have found that elder financial abuse is on the rise and almost one million elderly people will be targeted this year. The elderly population in America is most vulnerable to financial abuse, scams, and investment fraud. Fifty-five percent of these cases involve family members or caregivers. Continue reading “Elderly Population and Financial Abuse”
Limiting An Agent’s Power In A Health Care Proxy
A health care proxy is a written, signed document designating an agent who will make medical decisions for an individual in the event that a physician deems them incapacitated. The designated agent will then be authorized to make healthcare decisions on his or her behalf. When selecting an agent to make medical decisions, he or she should be someone that is trustworthy and will adhere to a person’s wishes. Continue reading “Limiting An Agent’s Power In A Health Care Proxy”
Stretch Benefit For Retirement Assets
Today, many individuals have retirement assets in the form of a 401K, Traditional IRA, or 403(b). In terms of retirement assets, it is important that the best interests of the designated beneficiary be taken into consideration, especially when the named beneficiary is a minor child or grandchild. It is important to never directly name a minor as a beneficiary on retirement accounts, annuities, IRA accounts, bank accounts or insurance policies. Directly naming a minor beneficiary could have negative consequences. Instead, a trust must be created and named for the minor’s benefit. Continue reading “Stretch Benefit For Retirement Assets”
