The 2025 New York estate tax exemption is set at $7.16 million per person. This means if the total value of your assets is at or below this amount when you pass away, New York State generally won't levy an estate tax. However, for estates exceeding this threshold, understanding the rules and planning accordingly is […]

For many people in New York, the terms "trusts" and "estate planning" conjure images of sprawling mansions, vast fortunes, and complex legal battles among the ultra-rich. It's a common misconception that these tools are exclusively for the wealthiest 1%. But as an estate planning attorney serving the diverse communities of New York City, I can […]

When a New Yorker dies "intestate" (without a will), their real estate doesn't simply sit in limbo. New York law dictates who inherits, but the path to clear ownership for these "heirs at law" involves complexities, especially when it comes to selling the property. This is particularly true concerning potential risks within the first couple […]

As a trusts and estate attorney serving clients here in Queens and throughout New York City, I often emphasize that estate planning is not a "set it and forget it" task. Think of your estate plan as a living set of documents, designed to evolve with you through the various chapters of your life. Just […]

When a New York property owner can no longer make decisions about their real estate due to illness or cognitive decline, families often face a legal hurdle, especially if a sale is needed to fund care or manage finances. An "incapacitated" individual cannot legally sell property. New York's Article 81 Guardianship proceeding provides the legal […]