Our Blog - Surety Matters

Probate: True or False? There tends to be a lot of confusion about what happens during the probate process. Simply put, probate makes our affairs public when we die, with the court supervising the distribution of…
Read Moreabout Probate: True or False?

Legal experts address the fears that hold many families back from putting estate plans in place, providing encouragement and information to help jump-start the effort. Remember, almost everyone has an estate and thoughtful planning, even…
Read Moreabout Estate Planning: Proceed!

  Yes! When a trust is created, the trustor (or grantor) names a trustee to administer the assets in accordance with their wishes. Trustees are fiduciaries—held to the highest duty of care in executing their…
Read Moreabout Are Trustees Fiduciaries?

  Although it is often assumed that it is best to avoid the probate process when planning how to pass along our assets to loved ones, estate planners find that sometimes the probate process can…
Read Moreabout Probate Can Be Helpful

  Estimating that approximately 175,000 veterans need help obtaining bank accounts, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). The goal is to ensure veterans receive their full benefit…
Read Moreabout Direct Deposit Options for Veterans

  Trusts are sometimes a useful way to transfer assets to beneficiaries, or even to plan ahead for our own needs. Though most married couples opt for joint, Revocable Living Trusts (RLT), there are circumstances…
Read Moreabout Separate Revocable Living Trust?

Some estate planning experts find it easier to dig into the numbers side of the work than the human side. While the resulting plans might seem logical—especially from a tax reduction standpoint—they don’t always make…
Read Moreabout Estate Law: The Human Side?

In many families, a home, is the most valuable asset—making parents eager to pass it on to the next generation. There are different options for doing so, depending on the circumstances. Thoughtful estate planning can…
Read Moreabout The Family Home: Passing It On?

  Some Trust and Estate lawyers are observing a rise in claims of undue influence related to the affairs of decedents who suffered from dementia. The recent Matter of Varrone from Surrogate’s Court in Queens…
Read Moreabout Undue Influence?