how to declare someone incompetent

When Can Someone Be Declared Legally Incompetent

Gabriel Katzner - May 13, 2026 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, families often come to us during difficult and emotional situations asking how to declare someone incompetent and what the legal process involves. In New York, declaring someone legally incompetent typically requires filing a petition for guardianship in court and presenting medical evidence showing that the person cannot manage their personal or […]

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What Is an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT)?

What Is an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT)?

Gabriel Katzner - May 7, 2026 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, we often work with clients who are looking for advanced estate planning strategies to reduce estate taxes while preserving wealth for future generations. One of the most powerful tools available for high net worth families is the intentionally defective grantor trust, commonly referred to as an IDGT. An intentionally defective grantor […]

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How to Make a Will in NY

How to Make a Will in NY

Gabriel Katzner - April 28, 2026 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, one of the most common questions we hear is simple but important: how to make a Last Will and Testament in NY? Creating a legally valid will in New York requires meeting specific state requirements, properly signing the document, and clearly outlining how you want your assets distributed. When done correctly, […]

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Celebrities Who Included Their Pets in Their Will

Celebrities Who Included Their Pets in Their Will

Gabriel Katzner - April 24, 2026 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, we often hear clients ask whether it is possible to leave money or property to a beloved pet. The idea may sound unusual at first, but many famous celebrities who left assets in their will to their pets have helped bring attention to this estate planning strategy. Through carefully structured trusts, […]

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The Biggest Mistake Parents Make When Setting Up a Trust in San Diego

Gabriel Katzner - April 14, 2026 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, parents frequently ask how to protect their children financially through thoughtful estate planning. One of the most common and costly questions we address is the biggest mistake parents make when setting up a trust in San Diego. While many families focus on drafting the trust document itself, the most serious error […]

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How Does an Inheritance Trust Work?

How Does an Inheritance Trust Work?

Gabriel Katzner - April 6, 2026 - Real Estate

At Katzner Law Group, clients often ask an important planning question: how does an inheritance trust work, and what happens when you inherit money or property through one? An inheritance trust is a powerful estate planning tool that allows assets to be managed and distributed under clear rules after someone passes away. Instead of receiving […]

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Can Two Siblings Have Power of Attorney?

Can Two Siblings Have Power of Attorney?

Gabriel Katzner - March 31, 2026 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, families often ask an important and emotional question: can two siblings have power of attorney for a parent at the same time? The answer is yes. Two siblings can legally share power of attorney as co-agents, allowing them to jointly manage a parent’s financial or medical affairs. When structured correctly, this […]

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What Is Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship (JTWROS)?

What Is Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship (JTWROS)?

Gabriel Katzner - March 26, 2026 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, one of the most common estate planning questions we hear is: what is joint tenancy with right of survivorship, and how does it affect what happens to property after someone passes away? Joint tenancy with right of survivorship, often abbreviated as JTWROS, is a form of shared ownership that can play […]

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Can Co-Executors Act Independently In Probate?

Can Co-Executors Act Independently In Probate?

Gabriel Katzner - March 17, 2026 - Estate Planning

When families in New York begin the probate process, one of the most common questions we hear at Katzner Law Group is: can co-executors act independently, or do they have to agree on everything? The short answer, in most situations, is no. Co-executors are generally required to act together. Understanding how this shared authority works […]

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How Gifts Can Affect Medicaid Eligibility

How Gifts Can Affect Medicaid Eligibility

Gabriel Katzner - March 9, 2026 - Estate Planning

If you or a loved one are applying for Medicaid, you may wonder: does receiving a cash gift affect Medicaid eligibility? The short answer is yes. Medicaid has strict rules when it comes to gifts and asset transfers. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid disqualification or delays in receiving benefits. At Katzner Law Group, […]

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