Blog

Nov. 21, 2023

Today, a lot of modern American families are blended and may comprise individuals from previous relationships, including a stepparent, step-sibling, or half-sibling. Since members of the blended family come together as a single unit, it is important to make adequate provision for each person in your comprehensive estate plan.

Oct. 16, 2023

Whether you are thinking of drafting a will or already have one, understanding how pour-over wills work can give your estate plan an added layer of security. If you have questions about or want to create a pour-over will, call us at the Law Office of Corey J. Rossi in Tonawanda, New York.

Sept. 21, 2023

Divorce can cause a number of complications in many areas of your life. In addition to the emotional stress and economic hardship that may result from ending your marriage, you also need to consider what changes need to be made to your estate planning documents after your divorce is finalized.

Aug. 24, 2023

Having a child with a substance abuse disorder is heartbreaking. It can be overwhelming thinking of how to provide for them when you’re no longer around.

Aug. 3, 2023

They say that the only sure things in life are death and taxes. “Debts” should probably be added to the list since those, and taxes must be paid when you die.

June 6, 2023

Life is fluid, and we all experience many changes in our lives, some minor, some major. “Into the same river you cannot step twice” is how the Ancient Greeks viewed the ups and downs of life. With this in mind, if you’ve created a last will and testament, you need to review it periodically to take into account any changes your life has undergone. To do so annually is probably a good benchmark, but some changes may create conditions to revisit your will more quickly.

May 8, 2023

Individuals who have cognitive impairment or dementia may face significant challenges when creating their will or estate plan. For example, in New York State, a testator is required to have the cognitive and mental capacity to execute or revoke a will.

April 11, 2023

Establishing a well-detailed estate plan is crucial to plan for life’s uncertainties and to provide specific instructions about how your affairs and estate should be settled when you’re gone.

March 21, 2023

Although there’s no amount of planning or arranging that can truly prepare you for the death of a loved one, there are steps you can take now that will help. Sometimes, just knowing ahead of time what will be expected of you can make things more manageable. A key to this may be working with an estate planning attorney. It will likely seem overwhelming at first when you realize the multitude of tasks you’ll have to complete, but an empathetic and experienced attorney can act as your guide and partner during the entire process.

Feb. 6, 2023

When a person dies in New York State, probate is often required to settle the decedent's estate and final. During the probate proceedings, the executor or administrator will gather and evaluate the deceased person's assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining assets to the rightful inheritors.