Estate Planning Blog - Bernard Law P.C.

Pour-Over Wills in New York: Why a Living Trust May Still Need a Will

Setting up a revocable living trust is an important step in a New York estate plan, but it should not be your only tool. Many people in Suffolk County think that after signing a trust, they no longer need a will because the trust will handle all their assets. This can cause problems if property […]

Posted on: October 16, 2026

How Assisted Reproduction Can Change Your Estate Plan

Assisted reproductive technology has changed how families are created, but it has also created estate planning issues that many people never consider. Frozen embryos, sperm, and ova may remain available years after they were originally preserved, and a child may potentially be conceived after a parent's death. That possibility raises important questions about inheritance, beneficiary […]

Posted on: October 15, 2026

How Parents Can Leave An Inheritance To A Child With Disabilities Without Jeopardizing Benefits

Parents of children with disabilities often wonder how to leave an inheritance without risking their child’s government benefits. This is a real concern because programs like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid are based on financial need, so eligibility depends on income and resources. If a child receives assets directly, it can cause problems. We tell […]

Posted on: October 14, 2026

Trust Planning For Snowbirds Who Own Multiple Properties

Having homes in both New York and Florida is a big part of retirement for many people, but owning multiple properties can lead to estate planning challenges that families might not expect. For example, a Suffolk County resident could have a main home in Suffolk County, a winter place in Florida, and maybe rental or […]

Posted on: October 13, 2026

Revocable Trusts Vs. LLCs For Real Estate Holdings: Which Is Better?

Many real estate owners in Suffolk County ask whether they should put property in a revocable trust or an LLC. The answer depends on your goals, since these two options serve different purposes. A revocable trust is mainly for estate planning and managing assets, while an LLC is usually used to keep business liabilities separate […]

Posted on: October 12, 2026

Choosing The Right Trust For Investment Properties In New York

Owning investment real estate in Suffolk County can help you build wealth, earn steady income, and leave something valuable for your family. However, it can also make estate planning more complex. Unlike a bank account, investment properties like apartment buildings, rental homes, or commercial spaces need ongoing management. Someone has to collect rent, pay bills, […]

Posted on: October 11, 2026

First-Party Vs. Third-Party Special Needs Trusts: What Families Need To Know

When families plan for a loved one with a disability, they often want to make sure financial support does not put government benefits at risk. A special needs trust, sometimes called a supplemental needs trust in New York, can help achieve this. Not all special needs trusts are the same, though. A key difference is […]

Posted on: October 10, 2026

Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing A Trustee

Choosing a trustee is a key part of setting up a trust, but many people overlook its importance. Often, people focus on what assets to include and how to distribute them, then pick a trustee just because they are the oldest child, a close relative, or someone they trust. While these qualities are important, they […]

Posted on: October 9, 2026

Could A Future Child Be Entitled To Your Estate After You Die?

At Bernard Law P.C., we believe this issue shows why estate planning should reflect your family’s real situation, not just use standard forms. If you have stored reproductive material in Suffolk County, your estate plan should clearly state what happens to it and whether a future child will have inheritance rights. New York Law Specifically […]

Posted on: October 8, 2026

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