One of the drawbacks of having a will as opposed to a trust is that wills tend to be easier to challenge. However, this doesn't mean that you necessarily have the right to contest the terms of a loved one's estate plan. It also doesn't mean that you should pursue a...

A Will Contest is Proceeding is a matter where an “Interested Party” – a person with a legal right to do so – challenges the validity of a Will. Will Contest Proceedings can take on many forms, and can be motivated by a great many factors. Indeed, the reasons why an...

Often, family, friends, and co-workers will say that they did not consider creating an Estate Plan until they had children, and that the focus of their Estate Planning is to protect their children in the event that they themselves unexpectedly pass away. Needless to...

A 2018 study by the Charles Schwab Corp. reported that 53% of Americans believe they will receive an inheritance. However, adult children who expect an inheritance are often disappointed - or worse, inspired to litigate - if and when they find they have been...

When it comes to estate planning, we often can learn from the tales of celebrities. The case of Tom Petty is one of those that should have New Yorkers - particular those with blended families - taking note. Singer-songwriter Petty died in October 2017 at age 66. He...

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult things that you will ever have to go through. If you have lost a parent, it is likely that you are united with your siblings in your grief. In addition to going through such an emotionally challenging time, you will...

If you are suffering from a chronic health condition, it is likely that you will want to do everything you can in order to manage it, so that you can live without pain or stress. Managing your health is more than only taking care of the present, but planning for the...

If you are suspicious of the surprising instructions in a loved one's will, you may have a reason to believe that a person became close to them at the end of their life and tried to manipulate them. This could be a family member that selfishly tried to gain a larger...

If you have an elderly loved one, it is likely that you will want to ensure that they have all of their affairs in order. You probably won't want to ask too many questions about their estate plan for fear of intruding. But it is normal to have concerns about the way...

Your mother has just died, and the executor fills you in on the specifics of her will. You're surprised at some of the details you hear. Was this really what she wanted? Is this a valid will? There are several checkmarks that are required to make a will valid, and a...