This post is written to conclude and recap my series on the need for those in Long Island, New York to have a proper estate plan. I felt it was crucial to write on this topic due to the unfortunate fact that far too many individuals pass away without a final will or other such instruments. It is understandable that many individuals do not like to think about such things. The fact of the matter, however, is that one’s heirs can be put through a great deal of heartache if a proper plan is not in place. The goal of my last several articles has been to provide information which will help people to more fully understand their situations. It has also been my goal to provide information which will assist people with the selection of an estate planning attorney. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I have addressed a number of topics over my recent articles. The matters which I have analyzed include:
- The ramifications of dying without a will
- Preparing a last will and testament
- Preparing a living trust
- The need for a power of attorney
I chose to address these topics for a number of reasons. First, when one passes away without a final will they are considered as having died “intestate.” This means that the deceased’s assets will be distributed in an order that has been pre-determined by the state of New York. It does not matter whether such a distribution would be inconsistent with the deceased’s final wishes. Second, when preparing a last will and testament, it is important that the procedures for doing so be followed or else the will may be declared invalid. Third, the use of a living trust can give one greater flexibility as to how their affairs will be handled. Such a trust can also be used to help the heirs skip the probate process. Finally, having a power of attorney can prevent disputes as to who should handle one’s affairs when they are incapacitated or unavailable.
One point I stressed in each of these articles is the need to retain an experienced attorney when creating your estate plan. Experienced counsel can help you to analyze issues which you may have previously not considered. By understanding all of your options, you can be free to focus on the most important thing – your family and loved ones. If you need the assistance of a Long Island estate planning lawyer then contact my office today. We also serve Kings County residents in Brooklyn, residents of Queens, those in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as people in other New York areas.
