Estate Planning Blog - Bernard Law P.C.

Passing a Business to Children Who Do Not All Work in the Company

Many business owners in Hauppauge struggle with how to pass on a family business when not all their children are involved. We often see families where one child runs the business, and others have chosen different paths. Parents usually want to treat their children fairly, but giving everyone equal ownership is not always best for […]

Posted on: June 1, 2026

What Families Should Know About Grantor Retained Annuity Trust Planning

Families with significant assets often want to pass on their wealth to future generations while lowering estate and gift taxes. One common approach in advanced estate planning is the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT). With a GRAT, you can transfer assets that are likely to grow in value to your children or other beneficiaries and […]

Posted on: May 31, 2026

Trust Planning For Families With Real Estate In More Than One State

Families who own real estate in more than one state often find estate planning more complicated than expected. Many New Yorkers have vacation homes in Florida, investment properties elsewhere, or retirement homes for the future. Without the right trust planning, these properties can lead to probate in several states, higher costs, delays in inheritance, and […]

Posted on: May 30, 2026

How Life Insurance Trusts Can Help Keep Liquidity Outside a Taxable Estate

Estate taxes can create serious financial pressure for families with substantial assets, closely held businesses, investment real estate, or valuable retirement accounts. Many families in Hauppauge discover that while they may have significant wealth on paper, they do not necessarily have enough liquid cash available to pay estate taxes, administration expenses, debts, or other obligations […]

Posted on: May 29, 2026

University students study at a cluttered desk with books and laptops while two people shake hands in the background, signaling trust and collaboration in an educational setting.

Can a Trust Be Designed to Encourage Education, Work, or Responsible Spending?

Many families hope their estate plans will do more than just pass on money. Parents and grandparents often want to encourage good habits, support education, promote financial responsibility, and help protect loved ones from making poor choices. In New York, trusts can be set up with incentives and conditions that match a family’s values and […]

Posted on: May 28, 2026

Succession Planning for Family-Owned Vacation Property Businesses

Family-owned vacation property businesses are often more than just financial assets. In New York and Florida, many families have beach homes, lake houses, rental cottages, seasonal resorts, marinas, or short-term rental portfolios that have been passed down for generations. These properties usually carry sentimental value and provide income for children, grandchildren, and future heirs. Without […]

Posted on: May 27, 2026

Using A Qualified Personal Residence Trust For A High-Value Home

For many families in New York, a home is their most valuable asset. On Long Island, high property values can lead to estate tax concerns for people whose estates might go over New York’s tax limits. A Qualified Personal Residence Trust, or QPRT, is a useful estate planning tool that can help lower estate taxes […]

Posted on: May 26, 2026

Estate planning scene: two professionals meet with clients at a table, reviewing a trust document beside branded books and a cityscape view behind them.

How A Disclaimer Trust Can Add Flexibility To A Married Couple’s Plan

Estate planning for married couples means finding the right balance between protecting assets, planning for taxes, and meeting long-term family goals. Many couples want a plan that can change as laws, finances, or family situations shift. A disclaimer trust is one way to add this flexibility. With a disclaimer trust, the surviving spouse can make […]

Posted on: May 25, 2026

Grantor Trust vs. Non-Grantor Trust: What New York Families Should Know

Trust planning is a powerful way to manage your estate, especially if you want more control over your assets, better tax options, and long-term financial security. Many New York families hear about “grantor trusts” and “non-grantor trusts” but may not know what these terms mean or how they work. Choosing the right type of trust […]

Posted on: May 24, 2026

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