Spring is the season of new beginnings and fresh starts and if you are like us, motivation to clean out your closets, declutter the house – and update your estate planning documents. While spring cleaning and estate planning may seem like unrelated tasks, they have more in common than you...
Senior Housing Options
As we age, many of us start to consider what our housing options might be in the future. Whether you're looking to downsize, move closer to family, or access additional care and services, there are a variety of senior housing options available. In this article, we'll explore some of the...
Planning for Your Pets
We are animal lovers at Fratello Law! Including your pets in your estate plan is important to ensure that they are cared for in the event of your incapacity or death. Here are some steps you can take to plan for your pets:Identify a caregiver: The first step is to identify a...
Estate Planning and Your Wine Collection: Preserving Your Legacy
As a wine collector, I know that you have spent years curating a unique and valuable collection. Each bottle represents a cherished memory, a special occasion, or a milestone in your life. My personal collection is centered on my travels throughout the wine producing world and memories of meeting wine...
Why Does an Executor Need an Estate Lawyer?
An executor of an estate is an appointed individual who administers the last will and testament of a deceased person. These individuals spend long hours carrying out their detailed instructions, paying off the deceased’s debts, and managing their affairs. With so many tasks and responsibilities associated with a last will...
Tips for Caring for a Parent with Dementia
Caring for a parent or loved one with dementia can be a challenging and emotional experience. Dementia can affect people in different ways, depending upon the underlying causes, any additional health conditions, and the state of the person’s cognitive function before becoming ill. Symptoms can become worse over time, while...
Key Responsibilities of a Trustee
Trusts are extremely valuable in protecting, preserving, and controlling a person’s assets while minimizing federal and state taxes. In many ways, a trust is more flexible at managing an estate's assets and minimizing the cost of settling an estate than a Will. After a person passes away, a named Trustee,...
4 Reasons to Make Changes to an Existing Last Will and Testament in NY State
Your last will and testament is an essential legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, property, and the care of any minor children after your passing. While your will may not directly impact you, it may significantly impact the lives of your loved ones. If...
3 Estate Planning Steps For an 18-Year-Old in New York
Many people assume estate planning is something they should only accomplish later in life. However, once you reach the age of 18, you are considered an adult in the eyes of the law and should begin considering completing some important estate planning documents in the event of an accident or...
Estate Planning Is Essential for Unmarried Couples
An estate plan ensures that your assets are accounted for in the event of your passing. While estate planning is essential for everyone, it is arguably more necessary for unmarried couples who live together. When one partner in an unmarried couple passes, the other cannot inherit the other’s assets or...