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Estate Planning Mistakes You’re Probably Making in New York

by | Dec 30, 2024 | Blog |

Planning for the future might feel like something you can always put off, but when it comes to estate planning, delaying can lead to serious problems down the road. Whether it’s making decisions about passing on your assets or planning for healthcare, these choices are crucial. The last thing we want for you is to make mistakes that can cost your family and loved ones dearly.

Unfortunately, many people in New York don’t realize they’re making common estate planning mistakes until it’s too late. Let’s talk about the mistakes you might be making, and how we can help you avoid them.

 

Why You Need an Estate Planning Lawyer in New York to Avoid These Mistakes

So, why should you work with an estate planning lawyer in New York? It’s more than just writing a will—it’s about getting your assets and healthcare wishes in order in a way that’s legally sound.

At Busson & Sikorski, we’ve helped countless clients with estate planning issues, ensuring their wishes are followed after they’re gone. Many people think they can handle it on their own, but without the right guidance, your estate could be left in disarray.

That leads to stress and costly legal battles for your family. We’re here to help you create a plan that fits your specific needs, making sure everything is taken care of.

Not Updating Your Will Regularly

One mistake that happens more often than you think is not updating your will regularly. Life changes—whether it’s a marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or acquiring new assets—and your will needs to reflect that.

If you haven’t updated your will in years, there’s a good chance it no longer aligns with your current wishes. Even if you think everything is set, don’t forget that your family’s needs may shift. By working with an estate planning lawyer in New York like us, we’ll make sure your will is always up to date and keeps pace with your life’s changes.

Forgetting to Plan for Incapacity

Another mistake we see is forgetting to plan for the possibility that you may become incapacitated. While most people focus on what happens after they pass away, what if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself? Without the right documents in place, your family could find themselves in a lengthy and costly legal battle just to make basic decisions on your behalf.

Powers of attorney and healthcare directives are essential to ensure your wishes are respected if you ever can’t speak for yourself. These documents are just as important as your will, and we make sure to include them in your estate plan to protect you and your family.

Ignoring Taxes

Taxes are another big factor many people forget when it comes to estate planning. If you don’t plan ahead, your family could be hit with a hefty tax bill on the estate you worked hard to build. New York’s estate tax laws can be tricky, and the last thing we want is for your loved ones to face unexpected taxes.

As your estate planning lawyers, we can help you structure your assets in a way that minimizes taxes, so more of your estate goes to the people you care about.

 

Best Real Estate Law Firms in NYC Can Help with Property Matters

Your real estate assets, whether it’s your home or rental properties, are often some of the largest parts of your estate. These need to be handled with care to ensure everything goes smoothly after you’re gone.

As one of the best real estate law firms in NYC, we can help you properly manage your real estate holdings in your estate plan. From ensuring your property is correctly included to dealing with any related legal issues, we have the expertise to help safeguard your legacy.

 

Key Takeaway

Estate planning is not something you can afford to ignore. From updating your will to planning for incapacity and managing taxes, it’s essential to get it right. At Busson & Sikorski, we’re here to help you avoid these common mistakes, providing expert advice and guidance tailored to your needs.

Don’t leave your future—and your family’s future—up to chance. Contact us today to start planning for tomorrow.