What States Are Community Property States? Full List + Legal Implications

Gabriel Katzner - April 23, 2025 - Estate Planning

When it comes to estate planning and marital property law, understanding how different states treat assets acquired during a marriage is essential. At Katzner Law Group, we help individuals and families in New York and California navigate the complex landscape of asset ownership, estate transfers, and inheritance law. One of the most significant distinctions in […]

Trustee Fiduciary Duty Violations: What You Need to Know

Gabriel Katzner - April 15, 2025 - Trust Administration

At Katzner Law Group, we often advise individuals who either serve as trustees or are beneficiaries under a trust. One of the most important—and commonly misunderstood—areas of trust administration is a trustee’s fiduciary duty. When this duty is violated, it can lead to serious consequences for both the trustee and the trust’s beneficiaries. A breach […]

Top Benefits of Estate Planning for You and Your Family

Gabriel Katzner - March 31, 2025 - Estate Planning

While we all know that tomorrow is not guaranteed, it is a difficult concept to accept and work with, especially if you have minor children. Estate planning provides the tools you need to anticipate your loved ones’ needs. A comprehensive estate plan details your wishes for how your assets will be distributed. It also enables […]

Understanding the Benefits of Estate Planning: Peace of Mind for the Future

Gabriel Katzner - March 18, 2025 - Estate Planning

Estate planning is a structured approach to anticipating and planning for your future and the future of your loved ones while you are healthy. A comprehensive estate plan ensures minor children have named guardians, you and your loved ones are financially cared for throughout your lifetime and beyond, and you have legal and medical assistance […]

Can Someone Put a Lien on My House Without Me Knowing?

Gabriel Katzner - February 28, 2025 - Asset Protection

A lien can be placed on your property without your immediate knowledge. Typically, when someone places a lien on your property, they are required to notify you. However, communication delays can prevent you from being informed right away, especially if your mailing address is outdated. Any liens against your property become public records when they […]

Two Names on Deed, One Person Dies, What Then?

Gabriel Katzner - February 24, 2025 - Real Estate

What happens when two names are on a deed and one dies? The answer to this question depends on how the deed is worded. The property could be owned as joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common, or tenancy by the entirety. If the deed specifies joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, the surviving […]

Protect Your Property Using Death Deed Law in California

Gabriel Katzner - February 21, 2025 - Estate Planning

If you live in California, you may be able to transfer your real property to your heirs upon your death without going through the probate process. By naming a specific beneficiary or beneficiaries on their deed, a California property owner can transfer ownership of their property to their heir using the revocable transfer on death […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Estate Planning