Estate Planning Blog - Bernard Law P.C.

What Happens If An Executor Refuses To Communicate With Beneficiaries?

When someone is appointed executor of an estate, beneficiaries understandably expect information about what is happening with the estate and when distributions may occur. Estate administration can take time, particularly when there are tax issues, real estate, creditor claims, or disputes, but extended silence from an executor can create legitimate concerns. Beneficiaries may begin wondering […]

Posted on: September 29, 2026

What Happens If A Trustee And Beneficiary Disagree?

Disagreements between trustees and beneficiaries are more common than many families in Suffolk County expect. A beneficiary may believe distributions are being delayed, investments are being mishandled, or information is being withheld. A trustee may believe the beneficiary is demanding money that the trust does not require the trustee to distribute or is challenging reasonable […]

Posted on: September 28, 2026

How Long Can A Trustee Hold Money Before Making Distributions?

As a trust beneficiary, waiting for a distribution can become frustrating quickly. You may know that money or property has been placed in trust for your benefit, yet months can pass without receiving anything. That naturally raises an important question: how long can a trustee legally hold money before making a distribution? In New York, […]

Posted on: September 27, 2026

What Rights Do Trust Beneficiaries Have In New York?

Being named a trust beneficiary can create valuable rights, but it does not mean the beneficiary controls the trust or can demand money whenever they want. In New York, the trustee must administer the trust according to its terms and applicable law, while beneficiaries are entitled to have those duties performed properly. Problems often arise […]

Posted on: September 26, 2026

Can A Trustee Refuse To Make A Distribution In New York?

When a trust beneficiary asks for money, and the trustee says no, the natural reaction is often frustration or suspicion. A beneficiary may believe that because money is being held for his or her benefit, the trustee must release it whenever requested. New York trust law does not always work that way. Whether a trustee […]

Posted on: September 25, 2026

First-Party Vs. Third-Party Special Needs Trusts In New York

A special needs trust can be one of the most important estate planning tools available when a person with a disability receives, or may someday need, means-tested government benefits. However, not all special needs trusts work the same way. One of the most important distinctions we discuss with families is whether a trust will be […]

Posted on: September 24, 2026

What Happens If A Beneficiary Is Disabled When You Die In New York?

Leaving an inheritance to a loved one with a disability requires considerably more planning than simply naming that person in a will. A direct inheritance can provide financial security, but it can also unintentionally interfere with government benefits, expose assets to poor financial management, or leave important decisions in a court's hands. We regularly advise […]

Posted on: September 23, 2026

Should You Place Rental Properties Into A Trust?

Owning rental property in Suffolk County can help you build wealth, but it also brings up estate planning questions that don’t usually come with personal assets. Many people ask if they should put their rental property into a trust. The answer depends on your goals, how you own the property, whether there’s a mortgage, your […]

Posted on: September 21, 2026

Choosing The Right Trust For A Child With Special Needs

If you have a child with special needs, your estate planning needs are often different from those of other families. You want to make sure your child is financially secure, but giving an inheritance directly can sometimes affect their eligibility for government benefits. You may also need someone to manage these assets after you are […]

Posted on: September 20, 2026

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