When people think about estate planning, they often assume it’s only for the wealthy or elderly. In reality, estate planning is for everyone – regardless of age, income level, or family size. It’s not just about documents and legal decisions; it’s about providing clarity, protection, and peace of mind for the people you care about most. At its core, estate planning is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family. It ensures that your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are spared unnecessary stress during already emotional times. Rather than leaving your affairs uncertain for others to figure out, estate planning creates stability – and that peace of mind is priceless. What Is Estate Planning, Really? Estate planning is the process of organizing your legal, financial, and healthcare wishes in the event of incapacity or death. While many people think it...
As the year winds down and families begin planning for the holidays, many people start to reflect on what they’ve accomplished and what still needs to be completed. While estate planning probably isn’t the first thing on most people’s holiday to-do lists, it should be something that gets a second look before the new year arrives. At Estate Planning Law Center, this is the time of year when we hear a lot of questions, assumptions, and myths about estate planning. Some are understandable, many are common and a few can cause catastrophic problems if left unaddressed. So today, we’re tackling the five biggest misconceptions we hear around this time of year and what the truth really is. Misconception #1: “Estate planning is only for the wealthy.” This is the most common myth we hear, especially around the holidays, when people feel their finances are stretched thin or they’re comparing themselves...
As temperatures drop and winter weather becomes unpredictable, many families start rearranging their schedules around snowstorms, icy roads, and travel delays. But there’s one thing you shouldn’t have to delay because of the weather: protecting your family through proper estate planning. At Estate Planning Law Center, we know how important it is to get the right information, guidance, and support – without the stress of battling winter conditions. That’s why our Virtual Four Pillars to Successful Estate Planning Workshop has become one of our most popular (and convenient) education options. Whether you’re curled up at home by the fireplace, taking a lunch break at work, or snowed in, our virtual workshop allows you to get clear, reliable estate planning guidance from anywhere. With just a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can take control of your future and learn exactly how to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy. If...
Every year on November 11th, we pause as a nation to honor our veterans—those who stepped forward with bravery, dedication, and a willingness to sacrifice to protect our country. Their stories, their service, and their legacies shape our communities and our families in ways that last long beyond their years in uniform. Veterans Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. It’s also a meaningful moment to think about the legacies we all carry—and how we can protect them for the next generation. For many families, especially those touched by military service, family heirlooms hold immense emotional value. Medals, photos, letters from deployments, flags, uniforms, handmade items, and keepsakes passed down over decades tell powerful stories. They are pieces of history—deeply personal, irreplaceable, and deserving of thoughtful protection. This Veterans Day, we’re focusing on one important aspect of estate planning that often gets overlooked: keeping heirlooms, mementos, and treasured...
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, Thanksgiving offers a welcome pause from the fast pace of everyday life. It’s a moment filled with gratitude, family traditions, and warm memories – plus a table full of good food. But it’s also one of the few times of year when multiple generations sit together under one roof, making it a surprisingly ideal moment to start meaningful conversations about the future. While estate planning isn’t typically seen as a “holiday” topic, it can actually be one of the most important and loving discussions a family can have. When approached with care, talking about your estate plan, your legacy, or your hopes for the future can strengthen family relationships, prevent confusion later on, and give everyone peace of mind. If you’ve ever wondered when to bring up topics like wills, trusts, or long-term care planning, Thanksgiving may be the perfect...
Every October, we embrace a little fright — haunted houses, ghost stories, and spooky costumes. But some of the scariest tales don’t come from movies or myths… they come from real-life estate planning nightmares. At Estate Planning Law Center, we’ve seen what can happen when families delay or avoid planning for the future — and the results can be downright chilling. So, gather around for a true-to-life cautionary tale — and learn how to make sure your family’s story has a much happier ending. The Scary Story: When “We’ll Get to It Soon” Became Too Late Meet the Thompsons — a close-knit family of four. They talked about creating a will “someday,” but between work, kids, and everyday life, it always slipped down the to-do list. One night, the unthinkable happened. After a sudden car accident, both parents passed away unexpectedly — and without any legal documents in place....
September is often a month of transition. Families settle back into routines after the summer, kids return to classrooms, and calendars fill with work, school, and activities. It’s a season of fresh starts, but also the perfect moment to pause and consider a question many avoid: What if something unexpected happens to me or my family? From sudden medical emergencies to long-term incapacity, life is unpredictable. Estate planning provides the tools to face those “what-ifs” with clarity and confidence. When families put a plan in place, they protect not only their financial assets but also their loved ones’ peace of mind. Why Planning for the Unexpected Matters Most people think of estate planning as something you do later in life, or only for passing assets at death. But true estate planning also addresses what happens if you’re alive but unable to manage your own affairs. Consider these realities: A 2023...
Grandparents Day, observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, provides a meaningful reminder: as we celebrate the love, wisdom, and support grandparents give, it’s also a time to think about how to protect that legacy legally. In 2025, Grandparents Day fell on September 2nd, making early September a fitting moment to revisit, or begin, your estate plan with grandchildren in mind. Many grandparents generously support grandchildren, through gifts, tuition help, or simply helping out. In fact, a recent survey found that 96% of grandparents provide some form of financial support to grandchildren, and collectively U.S. grandparents spend an estimated $238 billion annually on their grandkids. The Senior List Yet generosity without a strategy can lead to unintended tax burdens, loss of control, or family conflict. A thoughtful estate plan ensures that your gifts and intentions carry forward in a controlled, legally sound way. Below, we explain how grandparents can...
When people think about estate planning, their minds often go straight to retirees or parents of young children. Rarely does the average college student cross their mind. After all, most students are just starting out in life, not planning for the end of it. But here’s the truth: once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult. That means parents no longer have the automatic right to make decisions for them, access their medical records, or manage their affairs in an emergency. For college students, having basic legal documents in place isn’t just a “someday” task—it’s a safeguard for their independence, health, and financial well-being right now. The Turning Point at Age 18 At 18, the law views a young adult as fully responsible for their own affairs. While that independence is exciting, it also means: Parents lose automatic authority. Mom and Dad can’t simply call the doctor or...
When it comes to planning for the future, many families focus on Wills, Trusts, and passing on wealth to the next generation. But one of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is long-term care—and how to pay for it. With nursing home costs in the United States averaging $100,000 per year or more, planning ahead isn’t just smart, it’s essential. This is where Medicaid becomes an important piece of the puzzle. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed to provide health coverage for low-income individuals. For seniors, it is often the only way to afford the cost of long-term care. But the rules are complicated, and misconceptions are common. Below, we’ll walk through the essentials of Medicaid, why it matters in estate planning, and how you can take steps today to prepare. What Is Medicaid? Medicaid is not the same as Medicare. While Medicare provides health insurance...
Choosing who will inherit your assets is one of the most important- and often most emotional- decisions in creating an estate plan. For many, it feels natural to name multiple beneficiaries: children, grandchildren, friends, or even charities. Your estate is more than money or property- it’s a reflection of your life’s work, relationships, and values. While naming multiple beneficiaries may seem simple, it can carry both advantages and challenges. Without clear instructions, dividing assets among heirs can lead to confusion, delays, or disputes. But with thoughtful planning, it can ensure your legacy is honored the way you intend. This blog reviews the pros and cons of naming multiple beneficiaries, along with examples, best practices, and answers to common questions. Glossary of Key Estate Planning Terms We’ve added a Glossary of Key Estate Planning Terms to help make the process clearer and less overwhelming. Estate planning often involves legal and...
August is National Make-A-Will Month: the perfect time to focus on one of the most important steps you can take for your family’s future. Despite how essential wills are, many Americans put them off. In fact, a 2024 Caring.com survey found that only 32% of adults in the U.S. have a will or other estate planning document. Part of the hesitation comes from common myths and misconceptions about wills. These misunderstandings can leave families vulnerable to unnecessary conflict, financial stress, and court involvement. At Estate Planning Law Center, we’ve guided countless families through the estate planning process in New York and beyond. In this article, we’ll debunk the most widespread myths about wills—so you can make informed decisions during Make-A-Will Month and beyond. Myth #1: “I Don’t Need a Will If I Don’t Have a Lot of Assets” Many people think estate planning is only for the wealthy. In...
Creating a will is about more than just distributing assets. It’s about protecting your loved ones, expressing your wishes clearly, and staying in control of your future, no matter what. At the Estate Planning Law Center, we help New Yorkers craft legally sound, deeply personal estate plans that reflect what truly matters to them. Whether you’re just starting your journey or updating an existing plan, this guide will help you understand how to make sure your will stands strong and your wishes are honored. TDLR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) A valid will in New York must follow specific legal requirements to be enforceable Without a will, the state decides who inherits your assets under intestacy laws Customizing your will allows you to choose guardians, distribute property, and support causes you care about Regular updates and proper asset alignment ensure your will reflects your current wishes Working with an experienced estate...
It’s August, which means it’s National Make-A-Will Month. And while that may not sound like something to celebrate, it’s a powerful reminder that your future, and your family’s peace of mind, deserve attention. At the Estate Planning Law Center, we’ve helped families across Central and Upstate New York take the simple yet life-changing step of creating a will. And we’ve seen firsthand what happens when people don’t. If you’ve been putting it off, you’re not alone. But here are five very real, very human reasons why this August is the right time to get it done. We’ve also included how to make that first step simple and stress-free by attending a free workshop. 1. Life Happens, Ready or Not We recently worked with the Murphy family in Oneida. When John passed away unexpectedly at 52, he didn’t have a will in place. His wife, Amy, was devastated and suddenly stuck navigating...
Every August, National Make-A-Will Month rolls around and while it may not come with balloons or fireworks, it’s one of the most important times of the year to take a step back, plan ahead, and protect the people and assets that matter most to you. At the Estate Planning Law Center, we use this month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of creating a will and to help families across New York and beyond take control of their future. Whether you’re 28 or 88, single or married, a parent or pet owner, everyone benefits from having a will. Here’s why it matters, and why August is the perfect time to get started. What Is a Will, Really? A Last Will and Testament is a legally binding document that outlines your wishes after your death. This includes: Who receives your assets Who will care for your minor children...
