Paul was a devoted father of three who always intended to write a will—but life got in the way. When he suddenly passed away, his family was shocked to learn that without a valid will, New York State law would dictate how his assets were distributed. Instead of Paul’s children receiving their inheritance smoothly, his estate went through probate, a lengthy and expensive court process. His family home, which he intended to leave to his eldest daughter, was instead divided among his children, causing disputes. His bank accounts were frozen for months, and his minor child’s inheritance was placed under court supervision. If Paul had created a will, everything would have gone according to his wishes—not the state’s. What Happens When You Die Without a Will? In New York, if you die without a will (intestate), the state determines who inherits your assets based on a strict legal formula. Here’s
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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,
Continue Reading... →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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