Estate Planning Blog - Bernard Law P.C.

What Is A Pour-Over Will And Why Does It Matter?

When we set up an estate plan with a revocable living trust in Suffolk County, the trust is just one part of the process. We also have to think about what happens to property that was never moved into the trust before someone passes away. Things like a new bank account, recently bought property, a […]

Posted on: September 3, 2026

What Happens If Your Trustee Can No Longer Serve?

Choosing a trustee is a key part of setting up a trust, but things can change over time. A trustee might pass away, become unable to serve, resign, face health issues, move, or find it too difficult to manage the trust. If this happens, the trust usually continues, and beneficiaries still have the protections the […]

Posted on: September 2, 2026

How Often Should You Review Your Estate Plan?

Creating an estate plan is a big step, but signing the documents is not the final stage. Over time, families, assets, and laws can change, and the people you once chose to make decisions might not be the best fit years later. We often see clients who made their wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and […]

Posted on: September 1, 2026

Should I Tell My Children What Is in My Estate Plan?

A common question we hear from clients in. Suffolk County is whether they should share the details of their estate plan with their children. Some parents think being open will help avoid confusion later, while others prefer to keep their finances private. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your family relationships, […]

Posted on: August 30, 2026

My Parents Are Getting Older What Estate Planning Documents Should They Have?

As your parents age, estate planning can start to feel more urgent. You may wonder who will handle their finances if they get sick, or who will make medical decisions if they cannot speak for themselves. You might also think about what will happen to their home, investments, or other property after they pass away. […]

Posted on: August 29, 2026

Should I Name One Child Or All Of My Children As Executors?

Choosing an executor is a key part of preparing your will. For parents with several adult children, this choice can be emotional. Many parents in Suffolk County want to name all their children as executors to avoid anyone feeling left out or thinking a sibling is favored. While this feeling is natural, it is more […]

Posted on: August 28, 2026

Elderly woman and man sit at a wooden table reviewing financial documents, including an envelope labeled 'Important Financial Documents'.

How Can An Estate Plan Protect An Aging Parent From Financial Exploitation?

Financial exploitation of an aging parent often does not start with a stranger or a clear scam. In many families, the bigger risk comes from someone who already knows the parent, understands their finances, or slowly gains influence as the parent needs more help. This could be an adult child, caregiver, friend, romantic partner, or […]

Posted on: August 27, 2026

My Parent Named The Wrong Person As Power Of Attorney. Can It Be Changed?

If you find out that your parent named the wrong person as their agent under a Power of Attorney, it can be worrying, especially if that person is unreliable, no longer trusted, or not close to the family. The good news is that a Power of Attorney is not set in stone just because it […]

Posted on: August 26, 2026

Can an Executor And Beneficiary Be The Same Person in New York?

Yes, an executor can also be a beneficiary under a New York will, and this is actually quite common. For example, a parent might leave most or all of an estate to an adult child and also choose that child to be the executor. A surviving spouse may also be both the main beneficiary and […]

Posted on: August 25, 2026

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