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Estate planning isn’t just about dividing assets—it’s about creating a legacy that reflects your values and priorities. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we believe your estate plan should grow and evolve as your life does. Take Lisa, for example. When she first created her estate plan 25 years ago, her main focus was naming guardians for her children and splitting assets equally. But now, her life looks very different. She’s a grandmother, has grown her investments, and wants to support causes she cares deeply about. When Lisa came to The Estate Planning Law Center, we worked with her to update her plan. Together, we: Created a trust for her grandchildren to fund their education. Designed a charitable giving plan to honor her passion for environmental conservation. Developed a business succession plan to ensure her family business would continue to thrive. Your estate plan is a reflection of your life....

You’ve worked hard to build financial security for yourself and your family. But financial wellness doesn’t stop at saving and investing—it requires protecting what you’ve built. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we’ve seen families with strong financial strategies face significant challenges because they lacked an estate plan. Take David and Sarah, for example. They owned their home outright, had robust savings, and even set aside money for their grandchildren’s education. But when David passed away unexpectedly, Sarah discovered their financial stability wasn’t as secure as they thought. The house had to go through probate because it wasn’t in a trust. Their accounts didn’t have updated beneficiaries, leading to delays and disputes. Without a healthcare directive, Sarah faced difficult decisions without knowing David’s wishes. After working with The Estate Planning Law Center, Sarah regained control of her financial future. We helped her create a trust, update her powers of attorney,...

Every new year brings an opportunity for a fresh start. While many people focus on resolutions like eating healthier or saving money, one resolution that can make a lasting difference is updating or creating an estate plan. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we’ve seen firsthand how an outdated plan can cause more harm than good. Take the case of John and Carol. They created their estate plan over 20 years ago when their children were young, and their assets were minimal. But life changed—new properties, grandchildren, and shifting family dynamics. When John passed away last year, Carol discovered their outdated plan created unnecessary complications: The vacation home they purchased wasn’t included in their trust, so it went through probate. Their adult children weren’t properly listed in their documents, creating confusion over asset distribution. No updated healthcare directives meant Carol had to petition the court for decision-making authority. By contrast,...

As a new year begins, it’s natural to reflect on where you’ve been and what you want to achieve in the future. For many New Hartford families, estate planning becomes a priority at this time—a way to honor the past while protecting their loved ones moving forward. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we help clients create plans that align with their goals, values, and family needs. Take the story of Claire, who came to us after losing her father. Claire was overwhelmed by the lack of planning her father had done and was determined to make sure her own children wouldn’t face the same challenges. Together, we created an estate plan that reflected her priorities, included support for a local charity her father loved, and provided clear instructions for her family’s future. For Claire, estate planning wasn’t just about paperwork—it was about creating a legacy of love, clarity, and...

As the end of the year approaches, New Hartford families are busy checking off to-do lists and preparing for the winter ahead. While holiday shopping and snow shoveling might top your list, don’t forget about one of the most important tasks: reviewing your estate plan. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we encourage you to use this time to ensure your plan is ready for the year ahead. One of our clients, Mike, came to us last December with a simple goal: to ensure his family wouldn’t face uncertainty if something unexpected happened. Together, we updated his will, set up a trust for his grandchildren, and reviewed his healthcare directives. Mike said it felt like “checking off the biggest box of all.” How to Prepare Your Estate Plan for the New Year: Review Your Core Documents Make sure your will, trusts, and powers of attorney reflect your current life circumstances....

The holidays in New Hartford are a special time—filled with snow-covered streets, warm family gatherings, and the search for the perfect gift. But what if the best gift wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper? At The Estate Planning Law Center, we believe that estate planning is the ultimate gift for your loved ones. It’s a way to protect their future, honor your legacy, and provide peace of mind that lasts long after the holiday season. Consider the story of Tom and Susan, a couple who came to us last December after a particularly challenging year. They had spent decades building their life together but realized they didn’t have a plan in place to protect it. By creating a comprehensive estate plan, Tom and Susan ensured their children wouldn’t face uncertainty or stress in the future. They also included provisions to support local charities they cared about, reflecting their values in their...

When most people hear the term “estate planning,” they think it’s only for the wealthy or the elderly. But at The Estate Planning Law Center, we know that estate planning is for everyone, no matter their age or financial status. Unfortunately, there are several myths that keep people from taking action—and today, we’re here to debunk them. Let’s address some of the most common myths about estate planning: Myth 1: Estate planning is only for the wealthy. Many people believe that if they don’t have a large estate, they don’t need an estate plan. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Estate planning is about making sure your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are cared for, regardless of how much money or property you have. Myth 2: I’m too young to worry about estate planning Estate planning isn’t just for retirees. In fact, if you have children, own...

Many people create an estate plan, tuck it away, and assume their job is done. But the truth is, life changes—and so should your estate plan. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we always recommend reviewing your estate plan regularly to make sure it still reflects your current situation and goals. Take Maria and John, for example. They created their estate plan five years ago, shortly after their second child was born. At the time, their priorities were simple: protect their children and ensure their assets were distributed fairly. But since then, their lives have changed significantly. They’ve welcomed a third child, bought a vacation home, and started a small business. When Maria and John came to The Estate Planning Law Center for a review, they were surprised at how outdated their plan had become. Here’s what we updated for them: Adding Their New Child: Their original plan didn’t account...

For many people, the end of the year is a whirlwind of family gatherings, holiday parties, and last-minute to-dos. It’s a joyful but hectic time, where estate planning often takes a backseat to more immediate concerns. But here’s the thing: November is the perfect time to take care of your estate plan before the holiday chaos begins. Imagine this: It’s December, and you’re rushing around buying gifts, making travel plans, and preparing for family visits. The last thing on your mind is estate planning, but then it hits you—what if something unexpected happens during this busy time? Is your family prepared? Are your wishes documented? That’s why The Estate Planning Law Center encourages you to plan now, in November, when life is a little calmer. By the time the holidays roll around, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your estate plan is complete and your family is protected. Let’s...

As we get older, staying healthy becomes more than just eating right and staying active. It’s about making sure all the pieces of our lives are in place so that we can truly enjoy the years ahead. A well-crafted estate plan can be a powerful tool in supporting not just your financial security but also your physical and mental well-being. Reducing Stress Through Planning I once met a man named George, a retired engineer who had always been meticulous with his finances but hadn’t thought much about estate planning. After his wife passed away, George found himself overwhelmed with decisions—where would he live if his health declined? How would his children handle his affairs? The uncertainty weighed on him, and he knew he needed to do something about it. George decided to work with The Estate Planning Law Center to get everything in order. They discussed his goals, his concerns,...