Estate Planning - Bernard Law P.C.

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

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

Estate Planning For Business Owners: Protecting Your Company And Your Family

Estate planning for business owners goes beyond deciding who gets your personal assets after you pass away. Your business likely represents years of hard work, much of your family’s wealth, and income for employees and loved ones. If your estate plan does not cover what happens to the business if you become unable to run […]

Posted on: August 24, 2026

How Estate Planning Can Protect Family Vacation Homes For Future Generations

A family vacation home often means much more than its market value. It might be where children spent their summers, where grandchildren gathered for holidays, and where family memories were made. However, keeping that home in the family can be challenging if the estate plan simply divides it among several children. Issues like expenses, repairs, […]

Posted on: August 21, 2026

Estate Planning For Second Marriages And Blended Families In New York

Second marriages often bring estate planning challenges that first marriages may not face. If either spouse has children from a previous relationship, it can be hard to balance providing for a surviving spouse with leaving an inheritance for children. How assets like property, retirement accounts, life insurance, and homes are owned and included in the […]

Posted on: August 20, 2026

Should You Put Your Home Into A Trust?

For many New Yorkers, a home is their biggest asset and a key part of their estate plan. This often leads to a common question: Should you put your home into a trust? The answer depends on your goals, the type of trust you are considering, your family situation, and whether you own property outside […]

Posted on: August 19, 2026

At What Age Should I Write A Will?

Many people in Suffolk County assume that writing a will is something they should think about after retirement, after purchasing a large home, or after accumulating substantial wealth. We believe that approach misunderstands what a will is designed to accomplish. A will is not simply a document for older or wealthy people. It is a […]

Posted on: August 17, 2026

How Can I Transfer a Multimillion-Dollar Estate to My Children Without Giving Them Control Immediately?

If you have built up a multimillion-dollar estate in Suffolk County, deciding how to leave assets to your children is just one part of the process. It is also important to consider whether your children should have immediate and full control over those assets. A large inheritance can bring risks, such as exposure to creditors, […]

Posted on: August 16, 2026

Can an Executor Also Be a Beneficiary of a Will?

Yes. In New York, the person named as executor of a will can also be one of the beneficiaries who inherits from the estate. In fact, this arrangement is extremely common because people frequently choose a spouse, adult child, sibling, or other trusted family member both to administer the estate and to receive property under […]

Posted on: August 15, 2026

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