What Is the New York Estate Tax Cliff (and How to Avoid It)?
The New York estate tax cliff is a rule that can cause an estate just slightly over the state’s exemption to lose its entire exemption and become taxed from the very first dollar. In 2026, New York’s basic exclusion amount is $7,350,000 for deaths on or after January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. But […]
How Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan in New York?
In New York, you should review your estate plan at least once every three to five years, and you should update it immediately whenever a major life event, a financial change, or a change in the law affects you or your family. An estate plan is not a “sign it and forget it” document. It […]
Health Care Proxy vs. Power of Attorney in New York
A Health Care Proxy and a Power of Attorney are not interchangeable documents in New York — they govern two completely different parts of your life. A Health Care Proxy, authorized under New York Public Health Law Article 29-C, appoints an agent to make medical decisions for you when you cannot speak for yourself. A […]
Estate Planning for Young Families in New York
If you are a young New York family, comprehensive estate planning means building one coordinated plan that names guardians for your children, protects your assets, and keeps your medical and financial decisions in trusted hands — all under New York law. A truly complete plan is not a single document; it is an all-in-one package: […]
Estate Planning for Blended Families in New York
Estate planning for a blended family in New York means building one coordinated, all-in-one plan — a will, the right trust or trusts, a durable power of attorney, and a health care proxy — that protects your current spouse while still guaranteeing an inheritance for children from prior relationships. Blended families face a structural conflict […]
A New York Estate Planning Checklist for 2026
A complete New York estate plan for 2026 is not a single document — it is a coordinated set of four core instruments working together: a last will and testament, one or more trusts, a durable power of attorney, and a health care proxy. When these four pieces are drafted to reinforce one another and […]