Estate Planning Blog - Bernard Law P.C.

Can You Change An Irrevocable Trust In New York?

Many people think that once an irrevocable trust is signed, it can never be changed. However, that is not always the case in New York. While irrevocable trusts are harder to change than revocable ones, New York law offers several ways to modify, restructure, or sometimes even end an irrevocable trust. Whether these options are […]

Posted on: August 10, 2026

What Assets You Should Not Put Into A Revocable Living Trust

A revocable living trust is often a key part of an estate plan, but setting up the trust is just the first step. The next step is deciding which assets should go into the trust. Many people in Suffolk County think that once they have a revocable trust, they should put every asset they own […]

Posted on: August 9, 2026

Should You Name Co-Executors In Your Will?

Choosing an executor is one of the most important steps in preparing a will. The executor may need to protect property, find assets, handle creditor claims, file tax returns, talk with beneficiaries, and distribute the estate. Some clients think naming two children or other trusted people as co-executors will make things fairer or easier. In […]

Posted on: August 8, 2026

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

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