Our Blog - Surety Matters

  Generally, families want to respect the intentions of the deceased, though doing so can be easier said than done, as probate of Aretha Franklin’s estate illustrates. It has been over four years since her…
Read Moreabout Respecting the Intentions of The Deceased

  When accepting the request of a loved one or friend to serve as a trustee, keep in mind that the role comes with official, fiduciary obligations. In other words, as a trustee you are…
Read Moreabout Checklist for Trustees

  Unfortunately, the death of a relative or friend can bring about unexpected reactions from beneficiaries–some of which can cost the estate a good deal of money, resulting in losses for other beneficiaries. Fortunately, in…
Read Moreabout Litigious Beneficiary

  Though separating from a partner is never easy, the rise of “gray divorce” feels particularly saddening. Whether driven by a lifetime of dissatisfaction or pain, or triggered by a recent disappointment, gray divorce is…
Read Moreabout Gray Divorce: Estate Plan!

  Though a bit more complicated than wills, and typically more expensive to set up, trusts can be very useful tools for estate planning. Read on for a basic understanding of trusts, as well as…
Read Moreabout Trusts: An Overview

  Plastic superhero figurines? Albums? Comic books? Tea cups? Matchbox cars? Pokemon? Coin purses? Hmmm….When dear friends or loved ones have unique and niche collections, chances are good that the rest of us might not…
Read Moreabout Imagine Inheriting Thousands Of…

  Appointing a trustee to administer any trust is a big deal, but extra diligence is important when it comes to special needs trusts (SNTs). A trustee must be extraordinarily thoughtful when making decisions for…
Read Moreabout SNT: Duties of The Trustee

  In New York State, the process of bringing the affairs of a “decedent” to closure is overseen by the county Surrogate’s Court. Asset distribution is determined by the will, when there is one, and…
Read Moreabout Probate in New York: The Surrogate’s Court

  For many executors, the responsibility of selling off a family home and distributing the proceeds to the beneficiaries named in the will turns out to be the biggest and most stressful task undertaken. Estate…
Read Moreabout Executor? Tips for Selling A Home