If you are preparing to set up your estate plan, there may be many different types of questions you have, such as determining how to divide your assets between beneficiaries. However, you should be aware of other topics that may impact your estate, such as estate tax. In Jamaica, and in other New York cities, you should try to prepare for any potential hurdles that may arise during the estate process, such as how Read More
Talking with loved ones about probate
When it comes to estate matters, a myriad of issues could affect you, whether you are in the early stages of setting up your estate plan or are struggling with your duties as an executor. At Joseph A. Ledwidge, we can sympathize with people who have encountered these challenges in all parts of New York. Unfortunately, they can create a rift between family members, which can be even more devastating after a loved one Read More
The probate process can impact an estate’s value
The loss of your loved one is a difficult time. One of the things that might make it a bit harder is if you are having to go through the probate process to handle your loved one's estate. Of course, even having to go through the probate process is a lot easier than having to handle things if your loved one died intestate. If you are facing this prospect right now, you should understand the purpose of probate and Read More
Wills and addressing undue influence
On this blog, we have covered many of the reasons why wills may be disputed, from wills that have been lost to insufficient mental capacity. However, undue influence is another reason why wills are disputed. At Joseph A. Ledwidge, our Queens law firm can sympathize with families who are going through a bitter will dispute. Sadly, disagreements over a will can make life even harder for those who are already dealing Read More
What happens to a person’s debts after they pass away?
If you are toiling in debt or a loved one is dealing with similar circumstances, a pressing question may be: “what happens to my debt when I pass away?” One would think that the debt would be extinguished with the person as they pass away. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as some creditors will go to great lengths to collect on debt they are owed. In fact, it is fairly common for creditors to come calling Read More
Setting up a special needs trust
When it comes to estate planning, you may have a number of choices to consider. However, it is important to assess your individual situation and move forward with a plan that will work out best for your circumstance. For example, if you are disabled, or your loved one has a disability, you may want to look into a special needs trust. At Joseph A. Ledwidge, we know how confusing estate issues can be for people in Read More
Ensuring your will is valid
if you are preparing to create a will, you could have a myriad of uncertainties and may be stressed out. However, you could find peace of mind and put your concerns to ease by making sure that you work through the process of setting up a will appropriately. At Joseph A. Ledwidge, our New York law firm knows how important it is for people who draft wills to make sure that the wills are valid. When creating a will, Read More
The consequences of not having an estate plan
From busy schedules to anxiety about death and simply failing to understand the importance of a will or trust, there are many reasons why people do not have estate plans. However, this could lead to a number of consequences later on. If you live in Jamaica, New York, or another U.S. city, it is essential to understand why estate plans are so crucial and you may want to create one as soon as possible. At Joseph A. Read More
Your will matters: What happens if you die without a will?
Your will is the one document that can explain everything you want to see happen with your estate after you pass away. Anyone can die at any time, and that's why so many people insist that it's important to have a will early in life. When you don't have a will, it's harder to know what will happen to your assets and who will end up benefiting from them. In cases where a father or mother married to one another passes Read More
Handling your responsibilities as a trustee
If you have been named a trustee, you may be facing numerous hurdles. On the one hand, you may be struggling with unbearable emotional pain due to the loss of a loved one. However, you may also be unsure of your responsibilities or how to handle some trust-related issues. At Joseph A. Ledwidge, we know how challenging this can be for trustees and entire families in Jamaica, and all across the state of New Read More
