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
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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.
Continue Reading... →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
Continue Reading... →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
Continue Reading... →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
Continue Reading... →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
Continue Reading... →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,
Continue Reading... →Retirement should be a time of joy, health, and peace. As we age, caring for our physical, emotional, and financial well-being becomes increasingly important. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we believe the secret to a fulfilling retirement lies in weaving these elements together through thoughtful planning. Let me tell you about Jane and Bill, a couple who recently came to me for help with their estate planning. They had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and were looking forward to spending more time with their grandkids, traveling, and enjoying the hobbies they had put off for years. But there was a lingering worry—they hadn’t updated their estate plan since their children were young, and they weren’t sure if their healthcare wishes were clearly laid out. Jane was in good health, but she’d always been a planner. She wanted to make sure that if something unexpected happened, her
Continue Reading... →We understand that your hard-earned assets are not just numbers on paper; they represent a lifetime of dedication and dreams. The question is, how can we preserve and protect these assets for you, your loved ones, and generations to come? The answer lies in strategic estate planning. Navigating Your Legacy Imagine estate planning as a detailed map, guiding you through the twists and turns of life’s journey. At the Estate Planning Law Center, we specialize in crafting comprehensive plans that go beyond mere financial considerations. Our approach is rooted in understanding your unique story and tailoring a strategy that ensures your wishes are honored. The Heart of Estate Planning Security For many, the thought of planning for the future can be overwhelming. It’s natural to want to avoid discussions about wills, trusts, and other legal matters. However, the key to genuine peace of mind lies in facing these
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When we think about heirs fighting over assets, it is the big ticket items that typically come to mind, such as the family home, investments, bank accounts and the like. However, it is often items of sentimental value—a mother’s necklace, for example, or a father’s watch—that cause the most contention. This is particularly true in the case of blended families. Worse, battles over sentimental assets often lead to hard feelings that can last for years or even permanently sever relationships between family members. How can you prevent your heirs from fighting over items with sentimental value? Many people believe that a statement in a will or trust that basically says ‘tangible personal property should be divided as my heirs see fit’ will solve the problem. However, this can lead to a host of potential conflicts. A better approach is to put specific items that you believe are of interest to
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