Estate, Trust and Guardianship Litigation Archives

I’ve Been Summoned for Jury Duty. Now What?

What do you think of when you hear the words “jury duty”? To many people, the term “jury duty” brings to mind a civic obligation; a 2017 survey by the Pew Research Center Survey found that roughly two-thirds of American adults believe that serving on a jury “is part of what it means to be…

The Best Gift To Your Family (and it doesn’t cost a thing)

There is one gift you can easily assemble in under ten minutes, at no cost, that will someday be greatly appreciated by your loved ones. A letter of instruction can provide great comfort and relief to your family when you are not available to provide guidance in person.

Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets

On September 29, 2016, Governor Cuomo signed into law a new statute amending the New York Estates Powers and Trusts Law in relation to the administration of digital assets.

Estate Planning – Much More Than Signing a Will

In the age of the internet, there is a growing trend amongst the American populace who decide they need a Will to avoid the cost of a lawyer and use a legal services website like Legal Zoom® or use some free Will form found on the internet. However, there are many dynamics that go into…

Divorced? Is your Retirement Plan Beneficiary Really Who You Think it Is?

This is not a typical topic for a blog post during a holiday week, but nonetheless it is an issue of which we should all be aware. Going through a divorce can be analogous to the loss of a loved one. The emotional side-effects can be very difficult and the division of assets can be…

Business Update: A Seminar for Clients and Friends of the Firm

Mackenzie Hughes attorneys strongly believe in keeping their clients informed on the latest developments in law and business.

What it means to be an Executor

This blog answers questions we frequently are asked by persons named as Executor in a decedent’s Last Will and Testament. The decedent’s Will appoints me as executor. What’s next? Is my appointment automatic? No. You will be appointed executor by the Surrogate Court after the Will has been accepted for probate. The Court will issue…

What are my Duties as Agent on a Power of Attorney?

Your mom has appointed you as her agent on her power of attorney. Now what? All powers of attorney signed on or after September 12, 2010, must be signed by the agent (you), acknowledging your appointment in order for you to act. The power of attorney document informs the agent (you) of your legal responsibilities:…

Restriction On Valuation Discounts Forecasted – Gift Now

Employees at the U.S. Treasury Department have spoken publically about pending regulation changes that would significantly restrict the ability to take valuation discounts in certain circumstances. Many practitioners are recommending that their clients act now and make gift of appreciating assets to the next generation to avoid the implication of these proposed restrictions.

Same Sex Marriage in New York after Obergefell v. Hodges: What Now?

There has been a tremendous sea change across the United States as it relates to same sex marriage, the majority of which has taken place almost entirely within the last decade. In the past three years alone, nearly two dozen states offered their residents some form of same sex union for the first time. On…