Estate Planning - Bernard Law P.C.

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

Can I Change My Will Without Writing A New One?

Life rarely stays exactly the same after we prepare an estate plan. Children and grandchildren are born, marriages change, assets are acquired or sold, relationships evolve, and the people we once selected to serve as executors may no longer be the best choices. When that happens, you may wonder whether changing your will requires starting […]

Posted on: August 13, 2026

What Should Be Included In A New York Will?

A Last Will and Testament is a key part of any estate plan, but a strong New York will should do more than just list who gets your property. It should clearly explain your wishes, name the people who will carry them out, plan for what happens if a beneficiary passes away before you, and […]

Posted on: August 12, 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

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

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

Older couple at a wooden table reviewing documents; moving boxes labeled 'Florida or Bust' in a sunlit living room.

When Should You Update Your Estate Plan After Moving To Florida?

Moving to Florida is an exciting milestone for many New Yorkers, whether the move is permanent or part of a gradual transition into retirement. While purchasing a new home and changing your mailing address often receive immediate attention, updating your estate plan is frequently postponed. That delay can create unnecessary legal complications if your estate […]

Posted on: July 27, 2026

How Estate Planning Can Protect Family Vacation Homes For Future Generations

For many families, a vacation home means much more than just real estate. It is where children learned to swim, grandchildren gathered in the summer, and holiday traditions grew over the years. Whether it’s a cottage on Long Island, a lake house, or a winter home in Florida, these places often hold deep sentimental value. […]

Posted on: July 26, 2026

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