Albany Legal Blog

While creating an estate plan is crucial for protecting you and your family, they do require updating from time to time. Different components of your plan must change according to your life, or they might no longer match your wishes. Kiplinger explains a few essential aspects of estate plans to

If you live in New York, you should know about the state’s Health Care Proxy Law. Under this law, you can appoint a trusted person such as a friend or family member to make health care decisions on your behalf if you can no longer do so. Learn more about

Sound estate planning may help you pass your estate to your children or anyone you want to inherit from you following your death. A last will and testament is a good place to start your estate plans. However, a will might not cover everything you own. A court may rule

Who would take over your finances and health care decisions if you were unable to due to medical reasons? While most people do not want to think about this kind of thing, it is a question that answering can be helpful to families during unexpected and stressful life events. It

If you recently experienced a medical emergency as a result of a vehicular accident, you may find yourself mentally assessing your estate planning documents. As you do, you may realize that they are in need of updating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that there were 33,244 police-reported wrecks

If you should die without a will, your estate will go through probate creating unnecessary legal and financial issues for your family. However, by creating an estate plan, you can ensure that your loved ones, including your pets, are cared for after your death. Here are five estate planning benefits

Estate planning is a task people tend to put off. However, once your will and other estate documents are in place, you may not think about them again for a long time.   Major life changes should trigger a review of your estate plan. Protect your loved ones by keeping the information

Degenerative neurological conditions, traumatic brain injuries and other medical conditions can all damage your mental faculties. You hope that this will never happen, but if it does, you may no longer have the capacity to make your own decisions regarding health care and finances. It is a good idea to

Many Americans believe that estate planning is something people only do if they have a lot in the way of assets or are nearing retirement. However, the reality is that it is possible to die at any time, and having a plan in place can help make life easier on

A power of attorney can protect you and your estate if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It is a handy tool, but in the wrong hands, it can be dangerous.  Business Standard explains that you should be careful and cautious when choosing the agent for your power of

New York’s Health Care Proxy Law allows you to name an individual to act as your proxy if you become severely ill or incapacitated. By creating a health care directive, you may leave written instructions for your chosen agent to follow if you do not have the ability to communicate

You feel ready to plan your estate, but you have a lot to learn to create a thorough strategy. For instance, what mistakes should you look out for?  Kiplinger offers tips for avoiding estate planning landmines. Learn from others’ slip-ups rather than make your own.  Failing to plan for minor heirs