When it comes to estate planning, you may have a number of issues in front of you, such as creating a will and determining how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. If you have children, there may be additional considerations you should take into account. For example, you may need to figure out how to divide property among your children or you may need to take steps to ensure that they can actually Read More
Proving the validity of a will
From emotional pain to anxiety over heading to court, you may be struggling with a variety of challenges if one of your loved ones recently passed away. At Joseph A. Ledwidge, P.C., we know how difficult life can be for people who are trying to move forward after losing a family member in Jamaica, and cities across the state of New York. Although this may be a tough time for you, it is important to carefully examine Read More
Where there’s a will, there’re family squabbles
Many individuals believe that simply the act of writing a will and getting it notarized will allow peace to reign amongst family members after the testator has passed on. Yet in many cases, this couldn't be farther from the truth, as it only sets the acrimonious process of probate in motion. Probate has been described as the " set of procedural laws that determine what happens to someone's property when they die Read More
Setting up a living trust in New York
When it comes to estate planning, you may have a variety of options on the table. For example, you could be considering either a revocable living trust or an irrevocable living trust. In Jamaica, and other parts of New York, it is critical to approach these issues correctly and avoid unnecessary complications that affect your property. At Joseph A. Ledwidge, P.C., our law firm knows how challenging estate planning Read More
Intestacy and the distribution of property
If you have recently lost a loved one, you may be experiencing a wide range of challenges. For example, you may have significant emotional pain after the death of your parent, or you could be experiencing financial challenges after losing a spouse. If your loved one did not have a will, you may be unsure of how their property will be distributed. At the law offices of Joseph A. Ledwidge, P.C., our law firm knows how Read More
3 things to know about living wills in New York
A living will is a legal document that allows the creator to provide written instructions on how his or her health care should be managed in the event of incapacitation. Having a basic understanding of how these legal tools function is helpful both for those putting together an estate plan as well as those looking to administer a loved one's estate plan . What exactly is a living will? This document is Read More
Reasons for a New York will contest
As regular readers of our Queens probate and estate administration law blog know, we regularly cover topics that involve disputes over wills. In some cases, those disputes will include what is known as a will contest . Here in New York, anyone who is affected by a will can challenge the will. The New York City Bar Association notes that there are a number of reasons for will contests. One reason cited in Read More
Is blood always thicker than water?
When Prince died earlier this year, he left a void the music world will never be able to fill. The pop superstar also left a void when it came to carrying out his final wishes, leaving no will or estate plan. The Associated Press notes that the late singer-songwriter's sister and 5 half-siblings are expected to be named his heirs within several months as a probate court wrestles with the division of his Read More
Pet protection in estate planning
According to the law, your cat is a piece of property like your computer, a cashmere sweater or favorite chair. Of course, people love their cats and dogs far more than they ever care for inanimate possessions. They are our friends and family. So it is not surprising that many New Yorkers make arrangements for their beloved pets in their estate planning. As the American Bar Assocation (ABA) notes, "only Read More
School’s use of librarian’s gift comes under fire
It is a four and a half hour drive northeast of Queens to the tidy University of New Hampshire campus. If you make the trek, you might pause for at least a moment to gaze at the new scoreboard at the school's football stadium. The school has come under fire from critics unhappy with the decision to use $1 million of a surprisingly large estate gift from a frugal New Hampshire librarian. Robert Morin dedicated much Read More
