Estate Planning Blog - Bernard Law P.C.

The Biggest Misconceptions About Probate In New York

Probate is one of the most misunderstood parts of estate administration in New York. Some families believe every asset must pass through probate, while others assume that signing a will prevents probate altogether. We also meet people who expect the court process to consume most of an inheritance or take many years regardless of the […]

Posted on: August 7, 2026

Can A Trust Help Protect Assets From Nursing Home Costs?

Nursing home costs are a real worry for many families in Suffolk County. A long stay can quickly use up savings and put a family home or inheritance at risk. Many clients come to us thinking that putting assets in a trust will protect everything, but that is not always true. Some trusts can help […]

Posted on: August 6, 2026

Protecting An Inheritance From A Child’s Future Divorce

When parents start estate planning, they often worry less about taxes or probate and more about whether their assets will stay in the family. No one expects their child’s marriage to end in divorce, but life can be unpredictable, and inheritances sometimes become part of divorce disputes. The good news is that careful estate planning […]

Posted on: August 5, 2026

Should Retirement Accounts Be Left To A Trust?

When you create an estate plan, it’s easy to overlook some important assets. Retirement accounts are often a big part of your wealth, but many people fill out beneficiary forms years before making an estate plan and never look at them again. We often meet people in Suffolk County who have updated their wills and […]

Posted on: August 4, 2026

What Is A Disclaimer Trust And When Is It Useful?

Estate planning is about more than preparing for just one future. A good plan gives your family the flexibility to handle changes in tax laws, family needs, and finances. One way to add this flexibility is with a Disclaimer Trust. Many people are not familiar with Disclaimer Trusts, but they can be a helpful choice […]

Posted on: August 3, 2026

What Happens If Your Trustee Makes A Bad Decision?

Choosing the right trustee is a key part of setting up a trust. While many people in Suffolk County focus on how their assets will be divided, they often overlook who will actually manage those wishes. Even a well-written trust relies on the person in charge. If a trustee makes poor choices, it can lead […]

Posted on: August 2, 2026

Can You Disinherit A Child In New York?

A common and sensitive question in estate planning is whether a parent can legally disinherit a child. While the answer is usually yes, the process is often more complex than it seems. Estate planning involves more than just deciding who gets your assets. It is about making a plan that follows the law, reflects your […]

Posted on: August 1, 2026

Should You Leave Your Children Equal Inheritances?

Many parents think that dividing their estate equally among their children is the fairest choice. For some families, this works well. For others, treating each child the same may not lead to the outcome parents want. Every family has its own history, finances, relationships, and concerns for the future. Estate planning lets you consider these […]

Posted on: July 30, 2026

How To Prevent Family Disputes Before They Start With Better Estate Planning

Most people don’t expect their estate plan to lead to family conflict. Parents, grandparents, and spouses usually want to leave clear instructions to help their loved ones. Still, even close families can have disagreements after someone passes away or becomes unable to make decisions. Misunderstandings about inheritances, unclear intentions, and poorly written legal documents can […]

Posted on: July 29, 2026

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