Estate Administration - Bernard Law P.C.

What Happens When a Will Conflicts With a Joint Account or Beneficiary Form?

Many people in Hauppauge think their Last Will and Testament controls everything they own after they pass away, but that's not always true. We often meet families who are surprised to find out that some assets are not covered by a will. This can lead to confusion, disagreements among beneficiaries, and even legal disputes. A […]

Posted on: June 9, 2026

How To Challenge The Actions Of An Executor Or Trustee In New York

When someone passes away or a trust is set up, beneficiaries expect the executor or trustee to manage assets honestly and follow the law. Sometimes, though, problems come up if beneficiaries think the executor or trustee is mishandling assets, not sharing information, showing favoritism, or not meeting their legal duties. In New York, executors and […]

Posted on: June 7, 2026

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When an Accounting Proceeding Is Necessary in Trust or Estate Administration

Handling a trust or estate is more than just gathering assets and giving property to beneficiaries. Fiduciaries, like executors, administrators, and trustees, must manage assets carefully, keep good records, and always act in the best interests of beneficiaries. Accounting proceedings are a key way to make sure everything is transparent and accountable. In New York, […]

Posted on: June 5, 2026

What Families Should Know About Grantor Retained Annuity Trust Planning

Families with significant assets often want to pass on their wealth to future generations while lowering estate and gift taxes. One common approach in advanced estate planning is the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT). With a GRAT, you can transfer assets that are likely to grow in value to your children or other beneficiaries and […]

Posted on: May 31, 2026

Trust Planning For Families With Real Estate In More Than One State

Families who own real estate in more than one state often find estate planning more complicated than expected. Many New Yorkers have vacation homes in Florida, investment properties elsewhere, or retirement homes for the future. Without the right trust planning, these properties can lead to probate in several states, higher costs, delays in inheritance, and […]

Posted on: May 30, 2026

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What Happens To Social Media, Photos, And Online Business Accounts After Death?

Today, much of a person’s life exists online. Social media profiles, digital photos, email accounts, and even entire businesses may be stored in cloud-based platforms. When someone passes away, these digital assets do not simply disappear. Instead, they become part of the individual’s estate, and their management is governed by a mix of state law, […]

Posted on: May 6, 2026

What An Outdated Will Can Cost Your Family In New York

An estate plan is only as effective as its accuracy and relevance to your current life. Many people create a will once and assume they are protected forever. However, life changes, family dynamics evolve, assets grow, and laws change. When a will is not updated to reflect these developments, it can create serious problems for […]

Posted on: April 10, 2026

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How Often Should a New York Family Review an Estate Plan After Major Life Changes?

Estate planning is not something you do just once. It should change as your life changes. Many New York families set up an estate plan and think it will always work as intended. But events like marriage, divorce, birth, death, moving, or changes in finances can all impact your plan. We often remind families in […]

Posted on: March 31, 2026

Undue Influence In New York Estate Litigation Cases

Families often expect the estate administration process to reflect the decedent’s wishes. However, disputes may arise if relatives suspect a will or trust was created under improper pressure. Undue influence, a common allegation in estate litigation, involves exerting control over a vulnerable individual to alter their estate plan for another’s benefit. These cases can be […]

Posted on: March 15, 2026

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