Estate Planning 101 The most common misconception about estate planning is that it requires a substantial “estate.” For many, the word “estate” conjures an image of vast wealth, like that of John D. Rockefeller or Howard Hughes. However, in reality, nearly everyone leaves an estate behind when they die. It could be millions or it could be…
Consider Talking to Your Loved Ones About Your Estate Plans Consider talking to your loved ones about your estate plans. Death can be one of the most challenging subjects to discuss. In my role as an estate planning attorney it is a topic of daily conversation. But talking about mortality with your children can be…
Michael Wagner Promoted to Senior Counsel WALDEN, NY – The law firm of J&G, LLP (J&G) is pleased to announce that Michael Wagner, concentrating in estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, wills and trusts, was promoted to Senior Counsel as of June 12, 2019. “On behalf of the partners, I am pleased to announce that Michael…
Estates Without Children Are Often More Complicated As an estate planning attorney, most people I meet are seeking to leave a legacy for their children. People who have worked hard their whole lives and acquired assets want to make sure that they protect that property and pass it on to the next generation as efficiently…
Five Reasons to see an Estate Planning Attorney after your Divorce: Completely Untie the Knot Five Reasons to see an Estate Planning Attorney after Your Divorce: Completely Untie the Knot Now that your divorce is settled, it is important to think about estate planning for the benefit of your children or others closest to you….
The Hidden Dangers of Gifting to Family Members As people get older and retire, many express an interest in gifting to younger family members and sharing their savings with those who need help. A common misunderstanding about gifting stems from the IRS annual gift exclusion. Many of my clients correctly identify that any individual may…
Community Medicaid: The At-Home Care Option Many Americans swear that they’ll never go to a nursing home. There is a stigma that it is a last resort option for people who are dying. In truth, many nursing facilities defy the stereotypes and provide positive environments where elderly people can live their final years productively with…
It’s Always the Right Time for Estate Planning Each year of my practice as an attorney, I meet hundreds of people without a will or any estate plan in place. The most common reason they give me is timing. Young people—20’s to 50’s depending on who you talk to—tend to feel that they’re healthy and…
Six Things To Do When A Loved One Passes Away When a loved one dies, the stress and pressure on the family can be immense—to carry out the last wishes and funeral of the deceased, as well as to make sure the heirs get their due. Here are the most important six things to know….
Three Ways to Approach Long-Term Care and Nursing Home Costs As long-term care and nursing home costs have soared to well over six figures annually, it is more important than ever to look at measures you can take to protect your assets. There are three ways you can approach the exorbitant costs of care: Paying…
