If My Name Is On The Deed, Do I Own the Property?

If My Name Is On The Deed, Do I Own the Property?

Gabriel Katzner - February 14, 2025 - Real Estate

A deed is a written document that transfers ownership of a property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee). It defines who owns the property and describes the property that is owned. The person whose name is on the deed holds title to the property. Title is a legal concept, not a legal document. It […]

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Should I Add My Child to My Accounts or Deed to My Home?

Should I Add My Child to My Accounts or Deed to My Home?

Gabriel Katzner - February 11, 2025 - Estate Planning

As people get older, they may consider adding their child to their bank account or the title to their property. Giving your child direct access to your bank account can simplify bill paying if your child handles those chores for you. It is also a common misconception that adding your child to your accounts or […]

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Can a Quitclaim Deed Be Contested?

Can a Quitclaim Deed Be Contested?

Gabriel Katzner - January 25, 2025 - Real Estate

A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership of real property from one person to another. They are most commonly used to transfer the title to property between people who know each other well or to fix an error on the title. Unlike a warranty deed, a quitclaim deed does not have […]

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new year means a new estate plan

A NEW YEAR MEANS A NEW ESTATE PLAN

Gabriel Katzner - January 21, 2025 - Estate Planning

Welcome to 2025! A new year is a time for optimism and new opportunities. It’s time to start fresh! But making New Year’s resolutions is not enough; you’ll also need to take action to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for anything the future might bring.   Create a New Estate Plan in […]

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Understanding Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in New York

Understanding Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in New York

Gabriel Katzner - January 17, 2025 - Retirement

Medicaid eligibility requirements in New York are based on income, assets owned, age, disability status, and household size. Applying for Medicaid can be a complicated process, but the program can be a financial lifesaver, especially for low-income adults, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and individuals with permanent disabilities. Medicare is a government-sponsored healthcare insurance […]

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What Does Per Stirpes Mean?

What Does Per Stirpes Mean?

Gabriel Katzner - January 10, 2025 - Wills

When used in a will, trust, or retirement account, per stirpes is a Latin term that means by branch. It describes how your assets are divided and distributed in the event that a beneficiary passes away before the testator (the person who wrote the will). Following per stirpes distribution, if one of your beneficiaries should […]

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What Is a Pour-Over Will and How Does It Work?

What Is a Pour-Over Will and How Does It Work?

Gabriel Katzner - January 3, 2025 - Wills

A Last Will and Testament and a trust are key legal instruments used as part of a comprehensive estate plan to pass accounts and property from a deceased person to their heirs. A pour-over will is a specialized will designed to ensure that any assets or accounts not funded into a trust are transferred or […]

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How to Avoid a Nursing Home Taking Your Home

How to Avoid a Nursing Home Taking Your Home

Gabriel Katzner - December 27, 2024 - Asset Protection

The median cost of long-term care in a nursing home (in 2024) for a private room is $330 per day or $10,025 per month. Semiprivate rooms cost about $1,000 less per month. Even for a semi-private room, this adds up to over $100,000 per year, a number that is unreachable for most people. Medicaid is […]

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What is a Probate Judge, and What Do They Do?

What is a Probate Judge, and What Do They Do?

Gabriel Katzner - December 20, 2024 - Estate Planning

A probate judge is the person legally responsible for overseeing the probate court, determining the validity of a will (if there is one), and adjudicating the process of administering an estate. A probate court judge’s responsibilities include distributing a deceased person’s assets according to the instructions in their will or following intestate law, resolving disputes […]

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Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts (CLATs): Pros and Cons

Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts (CLATs): Pros and Cons

Gabriel Katzner - December 13, 2024 - Trust Administration

Charitable giving is an integral part of life for many people. Whether donating your time, treasures, or talent, helping others demonstrates your values and sets expectations for future generations. Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts (CLATs) are tax-efficient estate planning tools that allow donors to make yearly contributions to the charity of their choice while reducing their […]

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