Our Blog - Surety Matters

Estate planning should simplify life for your loved ones, not complicate it. Many people believe that adding an adult child or other heir as a “joint owner” on a bank account is the simplest way…
Read Moreabout Avoid Complications: Joint Accounts?

Business owners who sponsor retirement plans are putting employees on the path to secure retirement—-clearly this is a great thing to do! Plus, sponsoring a retirement plan can benefit the business, and even draw talented…
Read Moreabout Retirement Plan Sponsor? 10 Points

While often associated with taxes and financial statements, CPAs play a critical role in the health and compliance of the company 401(k) plan. Accountants act as financial watchdogs, auditors, and advisors, ensuring everything from accurate…
Read Moreabout Insights From Accountants: Sponsoring a 401k?

For employees, a company-sponsored retirement plan is a cornerstone of their financial future, and a tangible measure of their employer’s commitment to their well-being. Operational mistakes with the plan strike at the very heart of…
Read Moreabout Eroding Employee Trust?

Legal contests continue, as long accepted 401k practices related to the handling of plan forfeitures come under courtroom scrutiny. Yet another in the wave of ERISA “forfeiture lawsuits” against retirement plans, which began popping up…
Read Moreabout Loyalty and Prudence Vs Forfeitures?

Copying and pasting meeting minutes. Vague investment policies. Lack of prudent process around plan fees. Unclear protocols regarding the use of forfeited funds. These are all examples of sloppy retirement plan management practices that ERISA…
Read Moreabout ERISA Litigation: So What, Now What?

Market volatility? New investment possibilities? Guaranteed lifetime income options? Policy changes? Regulation? De-regulation? Confusion and uneasiness trigger fears for retirement savers, and plan sponsors too. Fear can propel hasty decisions, like halting contributions, panic-selling, or…
Read Moreabout Wondering What’s Next?

In New York State, the affairs of the deceased are settled through probate proceedings which take place in the county Surrogate’s Court. When a will has been made, it is “probated,” through the Surrogate’s Court….
Read Moreabout Probate Proceeding In New York?

Even though we all know we should organize our affairs, put estate plans in place, and communicate our intentions and plans to loved ones, most of us avoid these difficult to-do list items. As a…
Read Moreabout Asset Conflicts? Probate Litigation!