who is responsible for paying property taxes when owner dies

Who Is Responsible for Paying Property Taxes When a Property Owner Dies?

Gabriel Katzner - July 27, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Property taxes continue accruing after a property owner’s death. The estate must pay property taxes during estate administration. Heirs are generally not personally liable before taking ownership. Unpaid property taxes may result in tax liens or foreclosure. Property held in a trust avoids probate and trustee delays. When a property owner dies, the […]

Who Will Care for My Pets When I Die? Estate Planning for Pet Owners

Gabriel Katzner - July 20, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Pets are treated as personal property under New York law. A will can name a pet caregiver but lacks ongoing enforcement. New York law recognizes pet trusts as enforceable arrangements. A pet trust appoints a trustee to oversee funds for pet care. Naming a backup caregiver helps protect pets if plans change. For […]

Estate Planning for Business Owners

Gabriel Katzner - July 13, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Estate planning helps address the “5 D’s” of business succession. A sole proprietorship typically dissolves if the owner dies without a plan. Succession planning determines who takes over the business and on what terms. A revocable living trust can transfer business interests outside probate. Failing to coordinate business and estate plans can create […]

What Happens to Social Media Accounts After Death?

Gabriel Katzner - July 6, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Social media accounts may remain active, be deleted, or be memorialized after death. Family members generally cannot directly access a deceased person’s account. Platform terms usually prevent account access from transferring to heirs. New York law grants fiduciaries authority over digital assets in some cases. A digital estate plan documents how online accounts […]

Estate Planning for a Special Needs Child: How to Protect Their Future

Gabriel Katzner - June 29, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Direct inheritances may jeopardize SSI and Medicaid eligibility. A Special Needs Trust helps preserve means-tested benefit eligibility. Third-Party Special Needs Trusts generally do not require Medicaid payback. A trustee manages trust assets and distribution decisions. Outdated beneficiary designations can undermine an estate plan. Estate planning for a special needs child goes far beyond […]

Can an Inheritance Be Taken in a Lawsuit?

Gabriel Katzner - June 22, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Inheritance received outright may be subject to creditor claims. Irrevocable trusts can shield inheritance from lawsuits and creditor claims. Commingling inherited assets with personal funds increases risk of creditor access. Spendthrift provisions restrict transfers and help prevent creditor claims. Divorce or lawsuits may expose inherited assets if protections are not in place. At […]

Estate Planning for an Irresponsible Child: How to Protect Your Assets and Their Future

Gabriel Katzner - June 15, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Trusts help prevent mismanagement and provide structured support instead of lump sum inheritance. Irresponsible beneficiaries may struggle with finances, addiction, or vulnerability to exploitation. Direct inheritance risks include loss of funds, creditor exposure, and lack of long term planning. Trustees manage assets, control distributions, and must act in beneficiaries’ best interests. Spendthrift trusts […]

What Happens When Beneficiaries Disagree?

Gabriel Katzner - June 10, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Beneficiary disputes can delay estate administration and increase legal costs. Disputes arise from emotional attachments, unfairness perceptions, or unclear estate planning documents. Executors may delay decisions to avoid liability during beneficiary conflicts. At Katzner Law Group, one of the most common concerns we hear during probate and estate or trust administration is what […]

What Happens If No One Claims an Inheritance?

Gabriel Katzner - June 2, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Unclaimed inheritances remain in probate while courts attempt to locate beneficiaries. Assets transfer to the state through escheatment if no heirs are identified. An inheritance is unclaimed when a beneficiary does not receive or accept assets. Courts must make reasonable efforts to locate beneficiaries before further action. Heirs may still claim assets after […]

What Happens to Personal Belongings After Death Without a Will or Trust?

Gabriel Katzner - May 25, 2026 - Estate Planning

Key Takeaways Personal belongings are distributed under intestate succession laws without a valid will or trust. A court appoints an administrator to manage the estate through probate. Personal belongings include physical items not classified as real estate or accounts. New York intestacy prioritizes spouse, then children, then other relatives. Probate typically takes 9 to 18 […]

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