6 Critical Factors Affecting New York Probate Timelines: A 2026 Complete Guide

New York probate timeline 2026

When a loved one passes away in New York City, the question most frequently asked of our attorneys is: “How long will this take?” The answer, unfortunately, is rarely a simple date on a calendar. In 2026, the New York probate timeline is influenced by a complex web of court backlogs, family dynamics, and the […]

Ancillary Probate in New York: A 2026 Guide for Out-of-State Assets

Ancillary probate New York

Losing a loved one is a complex emotional journey, but it becomes a logistical nightmare when that loved one owned property in more than one state. If you are a resident of New York City dealing with an estate that includes a Florida vacation home, a New Jersey rental, or a family farm in Connecticut, […]

Can all assets be placed in a revocable trust?

Can all assets be placed in a revocable trust?

Now you have created your revocable trust, you look forward to avoiding or minimizing probate. But now the big deal is to determine what assets you should fund into the trust. Interestingly, not all assets should be placed in a revocable trust. The purpose of a revocable trust is to have a legal protection over […]

Joint Tenancy in New York (2026 Guide): Avoiding Probate and Understanding the Risks

Joint tenancy with right of survivorship NY

When planning for the future in New York City, the primary goal for most families is simplicity. No one wants their loved ones to spend years navigating the bureaucratic labyrinth of the New York Surrogate’s Court. Consequently, “Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship” has become one of the most popular tools for avoiding probate New […]

Estate tax exemption or portability for surviving spouses

Estate tax exemption or portability for surviving spouses

What is Estate tax exemption? When a person dies leaving valuable estate, the estate may be charged a tax known as estate tax. Notably, not all estates are subject to estate taxes; it depends on the total value of the estate, whether it passes a threshold. Estate tax exemption is that threshold amount below which […]

Understanding income tax brackets applicable during probate

Understanding income tax brackets applicable during probate

Just as an individual is charged personal income tax, their estate will still be charged for the income they earn during probate. Of course, a living trust is considered as part of a deceased person’s estate. Hence, if the trust assets are generating revenue while probate goes on, the trust will be taxed as well. […]

Estate Planning Attorneys near me 14280

Not planning for your minors While your adult children can inherit, your kids below 18 cannot. So if you’re leaving assets for that 15 year old son, he cannot receive it until three years later. To ensure your minors enjoy the kind of treatment you want for them, you have to name a guardian for […]

Can generation skipping help in saving taxes on your estate?

Can generation skipping help in saving taxes on your estate?

What is generation-skipping Transfer? There is generation skipping when an individual transfers assets by gift or inheritance to a beneficiary who is at least 37.5 years younger than the benefactor. With the age gap, we can clearly see that a generation has been skipped. It could be from a man to his grandchild. The benefactor […]

Estate Planning Attorneys near me 14276

They ensure your estate plan says exactly what you want it to say While you can mean a thing in your heart, the way you say it may not be taken as you meant it. Estate planning is a legal matter, and since your will must pass through the court, you need to use the […]

6 types of taxes your estate faces during probate

6 types of taxes your estate faces during probate

When someone dies in the United States, there are several types of taxes that may be charged on their estate. Taxes can take up a sizable chunk of your estate. They all have to be cleared first before your beneficiaries can inherit. In the end, your family may not get all you wanted them to […]