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 […]
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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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At Katzner Law Group, we’ve been asked the question whether a handwritten Last Will and Testament is legally enforceable and what risks it may carry. When discussing a holographic (i.e., handwritten) will in California, it is important to understand that this type of will can be legally valid, but only if it meets specific statutory […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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