April 17, 2014 – 11:04 am
The Facts: I heard that the New York’s estate tax laws changed and that the value of an estate that can pass estate tax-free was increased. The Question: Is that true? If so, what is the current NYS estate tax exemption? The Answer: Fortunately for New Yorkers, the tax laws have changed and the tax […]
January 8, 2013 – 2:03 pm
The Facts: Some people who have been named as executors told me their jobs were quite simple while others complained about all the time and effort it takes to administer an estate. The Question: What are the responsibilities of an executor and why does the complexity of the process vary so much? The Answer: The […]
The Facts: After my mother died, I found the passbook for a savings account she had at a local bank. I contacted the bank and was advised that the account was closed and that the funds in the account were transferred to the state a few years before my mother’s death. The Questions: Can a bank simply […]
October 7, 2010 – 7:09 pm
As an attorney that focuses on estate planning, I am frequently asked what “probate” means. Technically, probate is the court procedure by which a decedent’s Will is either proved to be valid or found to be invalid and unenforceable. However, many people use the word probate in a more general sense to mean the process […]
January 10, 2008 – 7:07 pm
It is well-settled that executors and other fiduciaries such as attorneys-in-fact are required to handle the assets under their control in a reasonable and prudent fashion. When a fiduciary crosses the line either by failing to act, or by engaging in imprudent management of assets, he risks being relieved of his authority to act and […]
