Speaking Engagements, News and Articles on Estate Planning and Estate Settlement

Estate planning and estate settlement articles written by our lawyers at Law Offices of Barbara H. Cane
(These articles are presented for your general information. Please be advised that you should consult your attorney or financial consultant about your specific situation.)

Financial Planning, September 2007
The Uncertainty Principle: How do you advise your clients on estate planning when the rules are constantly changing?

Financial Planning, August 2007
The SWOK Legacy: Singles without kids (SWOKs) have a greater need to leave some trace of their existences behind.

Life Insurance: It Could Cost – or Save – Your Family Thousands
Like many clients who come into my office, John and Sally Smith* were shocked to hear that their estate would likely face significant estate taxes without careful planning. Even more shocking to them was the fact that their life insurance was considered part of their taxable estate. “But I thought life insurance was tax free!” John exclaimed. (read more)

What is a revocable living trust? - PDF 34k
A revocable living trust is a legal entity which can own and manage your property. Because the trust is a separate legal entity, not flesh and blood, it keeps working even if you become incompetent or die. It can do everything a will can do, and more! (read more)

The Seven Deadly "Sins" of Estate Planning---and How to Avoid Them!_- PDF 26k
Like the theological list of deadly sins (pride, anger, envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, and lust on most lists…in case you need a refresher!), the "sins" of estate planning are mistakes that lead to "deadly" consequences if not vigorously uprooted. This is my list of estate planning "sins". (read more)

Living Wills - PDF 20k
Living wills and health care proxies: "Advance medical directives" for making medical decisions in New York State. Among the questions addressed are:

• What is a living will?
• What is a health care proxy?
• Do I need both a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy?
• How do I create these documents?
• Will my wishes be honored in other states?
• How will people know my wishes?
• What is the US Living Will Registry?
  (read more)

What is a generation skipping trust? - PDF 32k
It is a trust that one generation sets up for the ultimate benefit of beneficiaries two or more generations below them. For example, grandparents may establish trusts which may make distributions to their children, but ownership and control goes to the grandchildren, the "skip" generation. (read more)

Comparison of legal rights of married vs. unmarried couples in New York State - PDF 11k
Marital status (or lack of it) determines many rights and obligations. Some differences can be compensated for by effective estate planning. (read more)

Basic estate questions: Will probate be required? Do I have to file a tax return? - PDF 20k
Reviewing the assets of the decedent (the person who died) with this chart in mind will help you determine preliminary answers to the most commonly asked questions about dealing with an estate. Your specific case should get legal review. (read more)

Estate planning for the terminally ill: Talking about the unspeakable - PDF 13k
The world changes in a day: Sam Miller, newly retired, learns that lung cancer is the cause of his back pain; Valerie Russo’s mammogram reveals advanced breast cancer; the Montgomerys are told that Jack’s recent confusion is the product of Alzheimer’s disease. (read more)

Philanthopist on a budget: Working with what you have to give - PDF 14k
Wealth means greater capacity to give, but there are many ways to give, even for those of us who are not wealthy. (read more)

The perfect gift - PDF 12k
Emily and her mom were sitting in the kitchen wrapping gifts for the holidays. ... Then the perfect gift came to mind. "Mom, you know what would be a great gift? Why don’t you and Dad open up 529 plans for the kids." (read more)

Make a difference - A dozen ways to give - PDF 25k

Leave a legacy - PDF 8k
it is part of the government’s policy to encourage charitable giving, but certain guidelines do have to be followed. And it isn’t for everybody. You need to have serious charitable motivation, because once the assets are in the trust, you can’t take them out again, nor can you pass them on to your kids. (read more)

Memorial requests - PDF 10k
Each of us can help those who will mourn us by accepting our own mortality and guiding our loved ones through the practical and spiritual steps to accept it. (read more)