One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that an attorney’s job is simply to prepare legal documents, when in reality, much of an estate planning attorney’s work happens before a single document is drafted.

There’s no denying that owning a home today comes with its own unique set of rules. You want to make sure your home is protected and that it easily passes down to your kids or loved ones.

When it comes to setting up a plan, the single most common question we get from homeowners is: “Should I get a simple will, or do I actually need a trust?”

We’ve put together a simple, side-by-side breakdown so you can see exactly how a will vs. a trust impacts your home, your family’s time and your wallet.

Older adults are increasingly targeted by sophisticated financial scams. Recent FBI data shows seniors suffered more than $7.7 billion in reported fraud losses, the highest total of any age group.

Protecting a family legacy involves more than making sure you have estate planning documents in place. It also means reducing present day risk before fraud can erode hard earned assets.

Most people think of estate planning as something that matters only after death. In reality, some of the most important protections are in place while you are still living, especially if illness or injury leaves you unable to manage your own affairs.

If you have minor children, one of your biggest concerns is likely to make sure they are cared for if the unthinkable happens. You may have already taken an important step by naming a guardian in your Will, but that is only part of the plan.

Most estate planning focuses on the big picture: who gets the house, how the trust is structured and who manages the accounts. But when an emergency or a death happens, it’s the small, missing details that cause the most stress for adult children.

The most common cause of probate litigation may not be a missing signature, but something far more simple:  a surprise. When adult children are blindsided by the contents of a Will or the appointment of an Executor, that shock can quickly turn into a costly courtroom battle.

Digital assets are a central part of your identity and your wealth, and without a specific plan, your digital life could be locked away forever, leaving your family with a “digital ghost” they cannot manage.

Where is New York on this list???

Silence isn’t golden when it comes to your estate.

Most people believe having a Will is enough to keep their family out of court. Unfortunately, that’s one of the most common legal misconceptions I see.

Take this quick 30-second audit to see where you stand.

If you weren’t 100% sure about even one of these, your family could be facing exactly what you were trying to avoid.

Please join Schwartz Ettenger for an insightful evening at the Melville Chamber of Commerce NexGen After-Hour Financial Experience on February 4th, where I will be featured as a panelist for "Capital & Clarity."

Happy New Year!

When it comes to sharing information about your estate plan with loved ones, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration of both the benefits and potential drawbacks.

Did you know that you should never unstaple an original Last Will and Testament?

Are You Recently Widowed? Schwartz Ettenger Discusses When You Need The Counsel Of An Estate Attorney

Proper estate planning is important for all parents, but even more important for parents who have children who now or in the past struggled with alcohol and/or drug addiction or have any long-term mental issues that are of concern.

Choosing the right executor for your estate is a critical decision that significantly impacts your asset distribution after your passing.

In the past, probate in New York was a quick process, with Letters Testamentary typically issued within a few months…but the pandemic changed all that.

The passing of a spouse is a profoundly emotional time, and the legal and administrative responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. At Schwartz Ettenger, we understand the complexities involved in settling an estate and are dedicated to providing you with the expert guidance and support you need during this difficult period.