Our Blog - Surety Matters

  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!

  Plan sponsors have always had a lot to juggle but lately the juggling has gotten harder. If you are feeling the stress, you are not imagining it: the scurry around SECURE 2.0, pending new…
Read Moreabout Juggling Act?

  Here’s a scary reality: cyber criminals are using ChatGPT to up their game. In fact, novices are even using ChatGPT to write malware. Phishing emails? Yes, ChatGPT is writing those too. Cybersecurity experts remind…
Read Moreabout Cyber Threat Acceleration: ChatGPT

  A recently filed ERISA lawsuit underscores a scary reality: essentially anyone, and everyone, involved in the management and administration of a retirement plan can be personally named in the allegations. In addition to sweeping…
Read Moreabout Anyone–and Everyone: ERISA Lawsuits

  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…

  A comprehensive new analysis from Georgetown University’s Center for Retirement Initiatives points to opportunities for target-date funds to increase returns by adding illiquid options to the mix and calls on regulators to provide a…
Read Moreabout Missed Opportunity: Asset Diversification

  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