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New York Estate Planning Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: Need help getting a title for a motorcycle that was registered in the 1970 but can’t be found in any system

Hello really weird question that no one has been able to figure out, but my girlfriend’s dad passed away and she is an only child who inherited everything and she is trying to give his motorcycle to her uncle/ his brother. There is no title for it and it’s showing that it’s not registered in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Hi ,I bought a home with my daughter and would like to add my husband name on the deed.

when I was buying my husband credit wasn't good,so I use my daughter's name and credit but it was my money used. I'm sick and would like to protect my husband just in case...

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Jul 23, 2024

You will need to schedule a "mini-closing" where you (or your daughter) will need to deed the property from herself, to herself and your husband, as joint tenants (a technical legal term of ownership). Which particular form of ownership would work best requires a detailed review of your... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: I am looking for an attorney to handle a small estate for my father. He left no will. Three siblings split evenly.

We have been unable to come to an agreement for an executor/administrator for the estate. One of the three will not sign a waiver for administration and requests an attorney be involved.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: Hello, I have an existing will and I would like to make some minor changes to it in the form of changing bequests, etc.

Can I make these changes myself, or must I meet with a lawyer and pay a significant fee to make these changes? Also, I am a single person in NYC with no family in this country…can I appoint a lawyer to be my executor and take care of all details if something should happen to me? Thank you.

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Jul 16, 2024

This is not something to do on your own.

You could execute a Codicil or a new Will. An Executor could be named in either.

Also consider Living Will, Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney.

Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Is there a way to take over my mother's mortgage after she passes so the bank doesn't take it?

Cayuga county NY is the location, I'm an only child so I'm sole heir. I think my mom might have 2 mortgages on the house but I want to find a way to get the house when my mother eventually passes instead of the bank immediately repossessing it.

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Jul 10, 2024

Your mother's estate will be responsible for the mortgage or, if title passes to you, you may be able to work something out with the bank.

Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: Does a will in New York need to be notarized
Benjamin Z. Katz
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

No. In New York, to be valid, the Will must be signed by the person making it in the presence of at least two disinterested witnesses. There is no requirement that the Maker's (Testator) signature be notarized. However, it is advisable that the two witnesses sign an affidavit at the time... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can my Father pay my Retainer Fees to Represent me in a Guardianship for him? Or is this a Conflict of Interest?
Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on May 24, 2024

It's a matter of "legal capacity." If your father has legal capacity regarding the payment of legal fees, why is a Guardianship needed at all?

Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can my Father pay my Retainer Fees to Represent me in a Guardianship for him?
Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on May 24, 2024

Why is a guardian needed at all.

Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: I have my trust drafted. What are the next steps? Record it at the court house? What does the bank need for and account?

What notice if any should be given

Inna Fershteyn
Inna Fershteyn
answered on May 1, 2024

Who draftees your trust? Was the property transferred to the trust? How was it funded? Your lawyer should walk you step by step through the next steps it’s really strange that you are asking these questions if you have a lawyer and if you don’t how did you fund the trust? As without funding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: I am a Senior Citizen looking to get help to set up a Power of Attorney, Trust, and Medical Proxy.Can you help me?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 30, 2024

There are attorneys who can set up the things you list in your post. But it might be difficult for attorneys here to respond with offers of their services - the format here is limited to Q & A. You're going to need to reach out to attorneys. You could search attorneys on your own, you use... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for New York on
Q: Are wills -- download forms printed from online legal?

We live in New York State

My husband (55) and I (62) would like to make a will, don't have time for a lawyer (leaving town).

Can we download a will from online (i.e.Rural Law Ctr NY provides template)

- print out

- have 2 unrelated people witness

- notarize

Thank you,

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 11, 2024

A will must be prepared and executed in an exact way. The witnesses have to know what they are witnessing. When I do a will signing it is a formal ceremony and I ask certain questions of the testator and witnesses. If you do it properly then it should be ok. If you make any mistakes the entire... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: My late father did not include me in his life estate. My mom is the life tenant and my brother is the remainderman.

My brother recently passed away, now it's just me and my mom. Is there any way for me to be added to the life estate?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Apr 8, 2024

You may share in whatever interest your mother has if she conveys it (all or a share) to you, but she cannot convey more than she has; so her life tenancy would not extend beyond her lifetime. Upon her death your brother’s heirs or those named in his will if he had one (whether that includes you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for New York on
Q: My stepbrother and I are Executors of our parents estate. I am to get the house which is paid for & 25% of money.

My stepbrother is to get 50 percent of the money, Here’s the issue:

My stepdad owed taxes on property that was sold in 2017. My attorney told me that since the house was bequeathed to me, that I am responsible for the taxes, unless the other executor agrees to help pay.

He said... View More

Benjamin Z. Katz
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

When someone leaves a Will, the Executor must follow the instructions contained within. Normally debts are paid from the estate before distributions are made. I am confused about your statement that the house was sold in 2017 and property taxes are still due.

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: How can I find out if my deceased brother has any open bank accounts like savings or certificates of deposit?

I am my brother’s only living heir.

Bonnie Lawston
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Bonnie Lawston
answered on Apr 2, 2024

The best way is to run a social security search. However, if you were appointed as the fiduciary of his Estate you could contact the IRS and obtain a transcript to see what has been reported in the past, contact the local banks and other financial institutions and review all his records, bank... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: If I set up a Totten trust with the executor of my estate as the beneficiary of my various financial accounts can she,

upon my death use all the various funds to pay my heirs without her paying gift taxes. Thank you for your time and attention.

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

You are better off not naming any beneficiaries for any of your accounts and allow the executor of your will, after court appointment, to collect them and distribute them according to the provisions of your will. The problem with your proposed strategy is the person you meant to be your executor... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: My dad’s name was taken off the deed years ago. Is he still entitled to inherit if my Mom died years later w out a will

She asked him to take his name off the deed which she did in 1994. She passed in 2019. He was always responsible for the mortgage payments. This is in NY

Elaine Shay
Elaine Shay
answered on Mar 22, 2024

A surviving spouse is entitled to inherit. The information provided by the NYS Unified Court System at this link should be helpful to you: https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/whensomeonedies/intestacy.shtml

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Federal Crimes and Probate for New York on
Q: My inheritance was stolen from me My step father and my sister Forged My mother's will and lied how can I get it back

I was in jail at the time plus I am my mother's 1st son and favorite yet I didn't sign anything or agree to nothing they just took everything

I need help

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Dealing with a manipulated will and the loss of an inheritance is incredibly painful, especially while also grieving the loss of your mother. Here are some steps you could consider taking to try to rectify the situation and get back what is rightfully... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: New York-post nuptial agreement. has date and signature of spouses. Not notarized. Is it invalid

Spouse died. Her will excludes the husband. Does he still have right of election to 1/3 of the estate? Is notary of post nup signatures a hard and fast requirement?

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Mar 6, 2024

Like a pre-nup, a post-nup must be acknowledged (which is a notary, but a certain format), and comply with other requirements. Thus, if this one is not notarized, it fails.

2 Answers | Asked in Probate, Estate Planning and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: can a will/or unofficial will be contested by a non family member ?

can an court appointed admin of an estate pick and choose what to honor in a will/or unofficial will

Benjamin Z. Katz
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

An Executor appointed by the Court is a fiduciary of the estate. They are required to follow the directives set forth in the Will which has been validated by the Court. There is no such thing as an unofficial Will. A Will may be contested by non-family members. However, they must demonstrate... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Mother died 20 yrs ago no will all children but 1 deceased but the in hospice. Condo board brought Public Administrator

In to take over granted 6 months. Can a family member get power of attorney to get condo back in Surrogate court for the child so nephews don't get evicted.

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Mar 4, 2024

Without a will, all the children living when their mother passed away became the heirs of the real property. Any one of the adult children had the power to become the legal administrator of their mother's estate and transfer the deed from the decedent's estate to each sibling, as well as... View More

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