top of page
Search
Who gets your jewelry if you die without a Will?
Who gets your jewelry? We don’t know. Nor will you. Because in the State of New York, if you don't have a Will, your assets and...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jun 10, 20241 min read
Do I need to revise my Will as the result of the Solar Eclipse?
Despite the excitement and importance surrounding the Solar Eclipse the answer is obviously no. Now that we got out of the way, here are...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Apr 9, 20243 min read
"Actually, Artificial Intelligence can be quite intelligent. Who needs Lawyers?"
These days you can't turn on the news, surf your computer, or turn on the radio without hearing about Artificial Intelligence or the...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jan 9, 20243 min read
Understanding the Differences Between a Will and a Trust
Everyone has heard the terms "Will" and “Trust,” but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 12, 20232 min read
The Covid pandemic has created a need to keep Wills and Estate Plans up-to-date.
The pandemic appears to have generated a bigger interest in estate planning, which includes a will and other legal documents that address...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Dec 8, 20211 min read
You were appointed Executor…Now what?
Being the executor of an estate is not a task to take lightly. An executor is the person responsible for managing the administration...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Sep 17, 20213 min read
Steps to Prevent a Contested Will
Generally, only a person’s closest heirs, or “distributees” are able to contest a Will. Will contests can drag out for years, keeping all th
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 12, 20213 min read
Why Not Just Use an Off-the-Shelf Power of Attorney Form?
There are many do-it-yourself power of attorney forms available; however, it is a good idea to have an attorney draft the form for you.
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 1, 20203 min read
Check your Planning for the 'new world.'
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly spread, and the stock market decline and volatility continue, our office has been extremely...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Apr 9, 20206 min read
You may have signed a Living Will, but scary mistakes can happen at the ER
BY JUDITH GRAHAM AUGUST 5 WASHINGTON POST/HEALTH & SCIENCE “Don’t resuscitate this patient; he has a living will,” the nurse told the...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Aug 14, 20185 min read
Stepmothers and Estate Planning: Who inherits?
Via Quentin Fottrell Dear Moneyologist, My dad passed away five years ago. He did leave a will on how he wanted his estate to be...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Feb 21, 20182 min read
What are the advantages of a PrePlan — pre-paying funeral expenses?
There are many advantages. Both financial and practical. On the financial side, New York State allows an individual applying for Medicaid...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jun 4, 20172 min read
Steps to Prevent a Contested Will
Emotions can run high at the death of a family member. If a family member is unhappy with the amount they received (or didn’t receive)...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Mar 7, 20173 min read
Will Drafter’s Failures Don’t Help Undue Influencer’s Case
A New York trial court determines that an incapacitated woman was unduly influenced by her agent under a power of attorney, noting that...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jul 26, 20162 min read
You were appointed Executor…Now what?
Being the executor of an estate is not a task to take lightly. An executor is the person responsible for managing the administration of a...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jul 6, 20163 min read
Did rockstar Prince die without a Will?
Who will get his millions? This article in USA Today states; Prince left no will, according to documents filed Tuesday by his sister,...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Apr 27, 20163 min read
Legal DIY Web Sites Are No Match for a Pro, Consumer Reports Concludes
After road testing three leading Web sites that help you create your own will, power of attorney, and other important legal documents,...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Dec 12, 20142 min read
Heir tight: The dos and don’ts of creating rock-solid trusts
Good article via Jennifer Woods at Imagine working for decades so that one day you could pass your assets on to your children or...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Aug 5, 20142 min read
How to sell an inherited home:
Get good advice before putting mom and dad’s house on the market. Amy Hoak, MarketWatch. Selling an inherited house isn’t easy. There’s...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Feb 19, 20143 min read
Lessen the Tax Burden of your Estate with a Properly Drafted Will
If you plan properly and have your plan reviewed periodically, you may lower or eliminate the tax burden on your estate and leave more to...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jun 26, 20132 min read
Important news for seniors and their families
bottom of page