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Trust and Estate Litigation
Do you need a trust and estate litigation attorney? Contact Susan G. Parker, Esq. PC at (914) 923-1600 for a consultation.
Estate Planning Tips for Snowbirds
I’m sure that I’m not alone thinking now would be a good time to be in Florida. For many New Yorkers, what starts out as a seasonal home morphs into a primary residence. Aside from the weather, Florida attracts new residents because it has a property tax increase cap on homes that are primary residences and no state income tax. New York State income tax presently graduates from 4% to roughly 8.82% on amounts above $2 million.
If you’ve been a New York resident and make Florida your new home, will your New York estate planning documents still be valid? The ...
Estate Planning Attorney Near Me
Have you been asking, “Where can I find an estate planning attorney near me?” Contact Susan G. Parker, Esq. PC at 901-923-1600 for help with estate planning.
Year-End Tax Thoughts for New Yorkers
At the end of last year, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which took effect in 2018. Although it’s expected to “sunset” as of January 1, 2026 (in 8 years), you may need planning now.
$10,000 Cap on State, Local and Property Taxes
For NewYorkers, the new $10,000 cap on deductions available on your federal tax return for state and local taxes, could be costly. Let’s say your wages are subject to $9,000 of state and city taxes, and your property taxes are $14,000. In the past you got a state tax deduction of $23,000 on your federal return. Under ...
Westchester County Estate Attorney
You want to get your
estate in order, and you know you have two options. You can print some
documents off the internet and try to do it yourself, or you can hire a Westchester
County estate attorney. Unless you are well-versed in estate
planning law, it’s important to choose a Westchester County estate attorney.
Your attorney will protect your interests and ensure the estate planning
process goes smoothly.
A Clear Understanding of State Laws
Each state has its own
set of laws that govern estates. Your Westchester
County estate attorney has a full understanding ...
Do You Need a Trust Attorney?
Estate planning is an important part of getting your affairs in order. During the estate planning process, you’ll need to decide if you want a will or trust. Look at some reasons why you might need a living trust. Then, you can hire a trust attorney to handle it for you.
Avoid Probate
Many people turn to an Armonk trust attorney to set up a living trust so they can avoid probate. If you have a will, it will have to go through probate, and that can take months or, in some cases, years. On the other hand, your assets can be distributed in weeks if you use a trust. Your ...
Why You Must Have a Will!
Time and again, I see clients feel great relief when they write a will. They have chosen the executor who will take charge of their estate, named a guardian to care for young children (if needed) and selected a trustee to manage a trust they create – to protect assets or avoid probate. Things feel settled. That difficult task is done. Phew. It’s not too late to give yourself this gift. Contact us today to have this off your “to-do” list by the holidays.
You absolutely need a will if you want to provide for your significant other, best friend or ...
A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
I Say a Little Prayer for Aretha’s Family
With the passing of Aretha Franklin, we lost our first lady of soul. Estimates are that her estate is worth $80 million – and that may not count ongoing royalties. Despite all that wealth, Aretha died without a will.
That’s where my little prayer comes in. The federal estate tax of 40% does not apply to a person’s estate unless there are more than $11.2 million in assets. But Aretha did. Her federal estate tax bill alone could be close to $30 million. Some good news, though: Michigan is one of the 38 states that have NO ...
Using Living Trusts As A Will Substitute
USING A LIVING TRUST AS A WILL SUBSTITUTE
Instead of leaving property to a loved one under a will, clients often create a “living trust” to get the job done. With a living trust, it is easier to change beneficiaries, as well as who gets what when you pass away. Changes to a living trust can be made more easily than changes to a will.
Some Background: A “trust” is a legal arrangement where the property is transferred to another (a trustee) to hold on behalf of himself or someone else, who is referred to as a beneficiary. A trust is governed by a trust “agre...
Fearful Lawyers
Lawyers Have Fears Too
I recently read an article in the American Bar Association Journal, titled: “32 of Lawyers’ Most Common Fears.” That number alone gave me pause. Did you know that the top fears include:
Feeling their offices or cases are out of control
Looking foolish when asking questions
Seeming “too nice”
Being blamed
Speaking in public
Lacking skill or confidence
Intimidation by superiors and judges
Suffering pain, humiliation, and shame if defeated
Being attacked or outsmarted by their counterparts
Isn’t this similar ...
