You are here:

Trusts & Estates Law/Questions Answered by Expert Anthony S. Park

SubjectDate Asked
Estate/Will/Real Estate.4/30/2011
  Q: I recently discovered that the home I grew up in...the home my mother (now deceased w/o a will) paid ...
  A: Donna, Yes, it will likely require three court proceedings (one for your grandmother's estate, one ...
Intestate, Insolvent, 401-K balance of $30001/26/2011
  Q: First - thank you for your time and advise. Here's the question - Must a 401-K go through probate ...
  A: No, a 401K account does not go through probate so long as there is a named beneficiary. However, ...
Do I need a will?5/17/2010
  Q: The only property I own is a COOP in NYC. My closest living relatives are two brothers and a sister, ...
  A: Marian, Did your deceased brother have any children? If so, then without a will the co-op would be ...
surrogate tax dispute2/17/2010
  Q: My Uncle's estate, at the time of his death 6/2008 was valued at 1.4 million. He lived in NYC in a ...
  A: Yes, a 2008 estate of $1.4mm will owe New York Estate Tax. The executor is responsible for paying ...
taxes5/11/2009
  Q: 524.00 from her uncle and we want to know if we have to pay federal taxes on the money and also this ...
  A: Any estate taxes due should have been paid by the executor before distributing to you wife. Are you ...
Estate distribution3/18/2009
  Q: Mr. Park, My sister died and I am a beneficiary. The attorney handling her estate sent me a letter ...
  A: David, No, there is no specific date or length of time within which the executor must distribute. ...
Estate Settlement2/15/2009
  Q: How can I, as sole beneficiary of an estate, force an executor to account for assets and settle the ...
  A: Chuck, the answer to your questions depends on state and local law. In New York, as in most other ...
Wills & Estates2/13/2009
  Q: My grandmother's will left her property in equal shares to her 5 children who survived her, per ...
  A: Your father's estate should receive the share, unless your grandmother's will had a clause requiring ...
Irrevocable Trust2/6/2009
  Q: I live in California and have an irrevocable trust in New York State that was initially set up by my ...
  A: Susan, There's no way to give you a competent answer without a full review of the trust agreement ...
Distribution of property in NY upon death of spouse1/24/2009
  Q: I am planning to be married next year. We are an older couple, each with children, and will not be ...
  A: Gerie, If die with no will, then your new spouse would receive $50,000 off the top, then 1/2 of the ...
estate assets and distribution (NY)1/21/2009
  Q: Mr. Park: my father died almost one year ago. I am becoming somewhat concerned that the executor ...
  A: Distribution from an estate can take many months, or even years, depending on the circumstances. ...
Distrubution of Trust Funds12/9/2008
  Q: A dear friend of mine is executor of a family trust. As executor she sold a large number of stocks ...
  A: Spencer, The answer depends on the terms of the trust agreement. However, in many cases it is ...
trustee and beneficiary responsibilities12/4/2008
  Q: My mom passed away about 7.5 years ago; my brother and I were the only beneficiaries...he was the ...
  A: It sounds like it never went through the courts. If your mom had a trust instead of a will, then ...
trustee and beneficiary responsibilities12/4/2008
  Q: My mom passed away about 7.5 years ago; my brother and I were the only beneficiaries...he was the ...
  A: EFK, I cannot answer any of your questions without access to a copy of the will or trust. If you ...
trust inheritance and rollover rules12/3/2008
  Q: Can an inherited trust of securities be rolled over into an IRA or current tax deferred account in ...
  A: van, I don't believe there's anyway to roll over the stocks into a tax-deferred account. Keep in ...
Gift tax and listing of assets for probate11/15/2008
  Q: I am in NY state. My mother passed earlier this year and I am executrix of the estate. She was ...
  A: To answer your specific questions: 1. You must list property transferred during the decedent's ...
Administrator of an Estate5/13/2008
  Q: Background: My grandmother passed,leaving a will in 1998. The estate is just now being probated with ...
  A: Valerie: (1) There is no strict timeframe in NY. As long as it takes. If it drags for an ...
check made payable to the estate of5/7/2008
  Q: Do you have to deposit a check made payable to "the estate of Jane Doe" into an estate account or ...
  A: Amy: Yes, in most states, you must open an estate account to deposit the check, which typically ...
Will5/3/2008
  Q: I am looking to estabilish a will and trust. We are married with 2 children (we both work and have ...
  A: Andrew, the types of documents and fees depend on your state and locality. In New York City, you ...
life insurance inheritance3/25/2008
  Q: My mother passed away and left me and my two sisters as beneficiary of one of her life insurance ...
  A: Marilyn, under federal law, you may gift $12,000 per year to someone (your state's gift tax law may ...
Step Mom Lying?2/21/2008
  Q: I live in New York State. My Dad passed away Feb. 6 2007. My step mom was left the house (it was ...
  A: Mike, if the will was ever probated, it will have been filed with the Surrogate's Court. If your ...
No Will2/10/2008
  Q: My Father passed away in 2005 and my mother 2003 they left a home in NY. They never left a will and ...
  A: Cheryl, you have two possible solutions: (i) administer both your parents' estates in Surrogate's ...
Will - beneficiary outside USA1/14/2008
  Q: I am a permanent US resident. Can I make a will that names people outside this country as ...
  A: Ash: yes, you can name non-residents as beneficiaries. If you don't have anyone in the US to serve ...
Dead Dad/StepMother Refuses to Talk1/13/2008
  Q: My Dad died Jan 1,2008 after a 10 month bout with cancer. His home contains the estate of him and my ...
  A: David: Sorry to hear about your situation. Start by searching the Surrogate's Court in the County ...
Living Trust, Assest moved?1/3/2008
  Q: My father died in 95. The living trust divided the estate; 1/2 to my surviving mother, and 1/2 to a ...
  A: Suzanne, check with a local real estate attorney or title company, but it sounds as though the house ...
My uncle's house12/10/2007
  Q: My aunt left my uncle over 30 years ago in texas. He bought a house during the seperation and is now ...
  A: Richard, if they are still legally married, he should probably formalize a divorce and draft a will. ...
NJ Will12/3/2007
  Q: Aparantely, my family contested (or attempted to) my grandparents will when I was about 13 (I am 30 ...
  A: Jennifer, you can obtain a copy of the will from the Court where it was probated. Check the Court ...
Revokable Living Trust12/3/2007
  Q: Park, I have been told that I should have a revokable living trust, but like many other people, ...
  A: Dennis, a living trust is an arrangement whereby your assets are owned by the trust during your ...
Inherited stock - cost basis11/30/2007
  Q: I inherited stock from my mother in 5 companies. I understand that the "cost basis" for this stock ...
  A: Jim: It's all or nothing, and you only can make that election if your mother's estate is a taxable ...
will11/19/2007
  Q: what is your opinion of doing a will on legal zoom.com? thanks for taking questions.
  A: Harry, It is possible to create a perfectly valid will without the supervision of an attorney, but ...
Claims against an estate11/15/2007
  Q: Mr. Park, I have made two claims against an estate which I feel owe me money. Is there a time ...
  A: I can't answer your question under NC law, but in NY, the estate has 7 months to respond to verified ...
revocable trust11/15/2007
  Q: My Grandmother died last year. She left a good amount of money to her daughters (one being my ...
  A: Laurie, every trust is different and I cannot answer your question without reading the entire trust ...
step up basis from irrevocable trust11/14/2007
  Q: My dad died June 24, 2005, creating an irrevocable trust. I stepped up all stock basis costs to ...
  A: Richard, I would need more details on the terms of each trust for an accurate response, but ...
irrevocable trust11/14/2007
  Q: My siblings recently helped my mother set-up an irrevocable trust. They never informed me of this, ...
  A: Peggy, the $12,000 gifts are called "Crummey" gifts, and are commonly used in sophisticated estate ...
out of state property11/14/2007
  Q: My wife and I own some land in another state. We both have wills and we are beneficiarys or each ...
  A: Charles, you should check how the current deed reads. In most states, you can avoid probate by ...
401K11/14/2007
  Q: A relitive of mine just passed away in October. Her husband was the beneficiary for her 401K, but he ...
  A: Corey, I don't believe you can do this. If the husband disclaims his right to the 401k, I believe ...
revocable trust11/13/2007
  Q: My Grandmother died last year. She left a good amount of money to her daughters (one being my ...
  A: Laurie, it really all depends on the terms of your grandmother's will, which appears to have created ...
Trusts and Estates Law11/12/2007
  Q: I am the excutor of a trust. My grandfather died and there is a house. I reside in this house now. I ...
  A: Steve, you can get a copy of your deed online through the nyc.gov website. Depending on the terms ...
Mother's will11/10/2007
  Q: I am in Ohio, so I am not sure if you can help me. My mother took out a home equity line of credit ...
  A: This response is based on NY law, so you should confirm with a local attorney. Your mother's estate ...
living trust set up11/9/2007
  Q: I am trying to get a clear answer on whether I have to refinance my mortgages if i put my properties ...
  A: it depends on State law and the terms of your existing mortgage. In New York, you probably have to ...
Revocable Living Trust11/8/2007
  Q: If both grantors of a revocable living trust are deceased and the trustee has sold or transferred ...
  A: the procedure varies from State to State. In New York, the Trustee can have each beneficiary sign a ...
Joint bank accounts with ITF beneficiary11/8/2007
  Q: Mom died in February; Dad died in May. Both were joint on several bank accounts >$500,000. My ...
  A: Bob, accounts that are held ITF are not subject to the terms of the will or intestacy. However, if ...
estate dispute11/7/2007
  Q: My girlfriend's grandfather passed away in August. Under terms of the original will she was to have ...
  A: James, Your girlfriend would have to bring an action in Massachusetts Court to declare the Will ...
beneficiary11/6/2007
  Q: I am confused. How do I find out if I am named as a beneficiary in a will? Who should I contact? ...
  A: Michael, if you are named in a Will, you will be notified by mail when the Executor probates the ...
Probate/Inheritance question11/5/2007
  Q: My grandparents passed away within 2 weeks of each other. My grandfather passed away first and left ...
  A: Jennifer, Your question is a little unclear, but I believe the ultimate answer is yes, you must ...
life estate11/4/2007
  Q: If my dad put a life estate on his property, can I use the land for collateral in the purchasing of ...
  A: probably not. Banks/lenders have always been leery of dealing with life estates, especially now ...
resign a trustee10/31/2007
  Q: My father left me a peace of property in Florida when he passed away. He placed my uncle as the ...
  A: The formal method is for your uncle to do an accounting, where he report to you all of the income ...
Changing will10/30/2007
  Q: Testor's will indicates percentages to be given to each beneficiary. Can beneficiaries agree among ...
  A: You cannot change the will, itself, but the beneficiaries may agree to make gifts among themselves ...
irrevocable trust10/29/2007
  Q: Can an irrevocable trust be broken if all beneficiaries want it broken? (Pennsylvania) ANSWER: ...
  A: Mike, Who is currently receiving the income from the trust? Do you have a copy of the Will/Trust? ...
irrevocable trust10/28/2007
  Q: Can an irrevocable trust be broken if all beneficiaries want it broken? (Pennsylvania)
  A: Mike, Yes, there are ways to terminate an irrevocable trust if all parties agree to it. However, ...
probate law5/8/2006
  Q: My ex died in a motorcycle accident. He is remarried (to a woman who is in the army, and has not ...
  A: Jessica State law governs will and probate, so this all depends on which state your ex lived in. ...
refusal of inheritance5/8/2006
  Q: My father passed in 2003 without a will. Under NYS law his wife and his 3 children must divide his ...
  A: Lynn Your mother and the two heirs can disclaim their share of the estate. However, your mother ...
BENEFACTOR HAS PASSED AWAY5/6/2006
  Q: MY WIFE HAS AN AUNT WHO MAY BE PASSING AWAY IN THE NEAR FUTURE, AND MY WIFES MOTHER WAS THE ...
  A: Mr McCachren: It is unlikely that your mother-in-law, who has predeceased your wife's aunt, will ...
estate settlement3/3/2006
  Q: Mr. Park, Thank you taking my e-mail. I am currently in the process of executing a will in New York ...
  A: Mr Foote 1. Insurance policies with beneficiary designations are generally not part of the estate. ...
inheritance2/18/2006
  Q: I live in New Jersey. My grandmother wants to leave me her money ($1,000,000) when she dies. I am ...
  A: Tessie One possible solution is the use of a trust for you during your lifetime, then to your ...
If I inherit some money from relatives, do I have to pay taxes on it?1/30/2006
  Q: Whats the percentage that NYC would take out of an inheritance? Relative in question has already a ...
  A: Guzman The amount of inheritance tax depends on the size of the estate, the applicable deductions, ...
Trustee stealing a trust from his children1/29/2006
  Q: In 1987, my siblings and I were conned into signing some documents. I had been warned earlier that ...
  A: Church: Yes, trust beneficiaries and remaindermen generally have the right to compel interim ...
Is it necessary for me to appear at probate?1/13/2006
  Q: Park, Thank you, in advance, for your time in reading this. I received today a notice of ...
  A: Mary: Contact the nominated executor (or his attorney). The contact information should be listed ...
probate1/7/2006
  Q: does a beneficieary in a will have the right to see the will during probate? normanly how long does ...
  A: Mr. Janson: Yes, the in most states the beneficiary has the right to see the will. If not, once ...
Family Business Transfer1/5/2006
  Q: My family owns a small type-s corporation worth about $2M dollars. My family would like to begin ...
  A: This is a complicated matter with potential income tax, capital gains tax, estate/gift tax, and ...
Trust Fund Breaking11/11/2005
  Q: My grandma died in 2001 and left all the grandkids a small inheritance that we cannot touch until ...
  A: Review the trust document thoroughly. Most trusts provide for hardship withdrawals. Also, you ...
Estate Law11/10/2005
  Q: My wife's parents own a house in Florida, and her father is getting on in years. He is leaving the ...
  A: Have a Florida estate planning attorney carefully review the current deed to the house, your ...
Home Title11/2/2005
  Q: Good Morning, Not sure you will be able to assist me on this question but asking anyway. My home ...
  A: Kathy: I am a NY/NJ attorney, so this may not apply to FL law. In NY, you can change the name on a ...
Assets of a Will10/24/2005
  Q: I have a question that I hope you can answer in simple language. If I put in my Will to leave my ...
  A: Paul: The "simple" answer is to draft your will in percentages (25% of my estate to child X, 25% to ...
WILL10/21/2005
  Q: Anthony Hi, question, If I have a will written and in one of the lines it states the following: I ...
  A: Ken: 1. The clause is an attempt by the law firm to make sure that they are retained (and paid) to ...
Estate Assets9/29/2005
  Q: Anthony: The mother of my cousin passed away without a will. Her mother owned a home, but few ...
  A: Nick: When a person passes away, the heirs typically receive the property with a stepped-up basis. ...
WILL / HOUSE9/27/2005
  Q: Anthony - Thank you for the information, I have two other questions, first in regards to a living ...
  A: Question 1. I am hesitant to offer a more detailed explanation through this "advice" website. I am ...
WILL / HOUSE9/25/2005
  Q: Anthony Hi, My mom want to draw up a will, and all other appropriet legal documents so I dont have ...
  A: There are many different ways of approaching your mother's estate planning, depending on her ...
Trust distribution9/6/2005
  Q: I am the trustee for my parents revocable trust. They have both passed away. After my mother ...
  A: Monroy: You must record a new deed reflecting the transfer of the house to you and your sister. ...
Estate Laws8/26/2005
  Q: I am in a bit of disorder at this time,but need some help.Six weeks ago,my daughter passed away.She ...
  A: Andrew: I am licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey, and my response is based on my ...
Will8/12/2005
  Q: I have a further question or two. Why would the Executor ask me about the letter in the first ...
  A: Heirs may opt to "disclaim" their share of the inheritance (i.e., refuse to accept their ...
living revocable trust8/6/2005
  Q: my mother is 84 years old. her assets including her house is less than $200,000. would it still be ...
  A: Dan: A living revocable trust (or lifetime trust) is used to avoid the probate process upon your ...
Probate Contest7/31/2005
  Q: My Grandmother passed away without leaving a will. After her estate has been settled in probate ...
  A: Luckey: Depending on which of your family members were surviving at the time of your granmother's ...
Taxes7/19/2005
  Q: My mother left a Revocable Living Trust where my brother gets the property and I get two thirds of ...
  A: Hunter: You need to file the final tax return for the trust (Form 1041). This is an income tax ...
will @ testament6/12/2005
  Q: 6/11/05 SUBJECT..............LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT In Oct. 1990....mother-in-law passed ...
  A: Kemplen: Not all wills are filed with the court system. The unprobated will may be with your ...
marriage liabilities6/7/2005
  Q: -------------------------Thank you so much, Anthony, for getting back to me so quickly. We live in ...
  A: Charlie: You would probably be most interested in use of Asset Protection Trusts (APTs). These ...
marriage liabilities6/7/2005
  Q: Park, My net worth is about 1.5 million dollars and I plan to marry a woman with about one third ...
  A: Depending on the form of your assets and your desired level of liquidity, there are several asset ...
Wills6/3/2005
  Q: My mother's brother died and even though my mother is in his will, etc. his girlfriend of 8 months ...
  A: David: 1. FYI, many, if not most, annuity products name the beneficiary of the annuity within the ...
Transfer Property Ownership5/31/2005
  Q: I am the Personal Representative of my Mothers will presently in uncontested Probate procedures, I ...
  A: Jack: Specific procedures vary from state to state. In New York, the Surrogate's court usually ...
Beneficiary designation; Tax on sale of home5/24/2005
  Q: Park, Thank you in advance for answering the following two questions. 1. When opening a bank ...
  A: ITF (In Trust For) and FBO (For Benefit Of, or Beneficiary) accounts both accomplish your goal ...
Estate Planning5/20/2005
  Q: My wife and I have no children and intend to leave a bulk of our estate (>$1M) to a private high ...
  A: By setting up a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), you can elimiate capital gains taxes on gains you ...
Will5/15/2005
  Q: My mother in law is 83 years old, She has put her condo up for sale.(N.Y.) the value is about 300k ...
  A: Zerring: You can find will templates/software at your local office supply store (including Staples, ...
Living Trust4/17/2005
  Q: My mother recently died, March 12, 2005. She had a living trust. She left my brother in as ...
  A: Williams: If, as you state, the terms of the living trust dictate that the Trustee (your brother) ...
inhertitance3/24/2005
  Q: aunt had house and property ownership and died 10 years ago. esate was not settles at that time. if ...
  A: Brady: Yes, your mother (or more accurately, her estate) has a right to claim your mother's 1/5th ...
Nursing Home Costs3/14/2005
  Q: Park, My Aunt is concerned that the 120 acres she owns, if she had to enter a nursing home, might be ...
  A: Schrader: Yes, LTC (long-term care) insurance and the use of irrevocable trusts are two possible ...
NY K1 in Florida3/12/2005
  Q: I have a few questions. Some may not apply to you but maybe you know about the information anyway. ...
  A: Robert: 1. The trustee (your father-in-law) should give you a copy of the trust document. You can ...
probate3/10/2005
  Q: I am a "expert" over in, heating & air conditioning. My question, in general. When an estate in in ...
  A: Bill You MUST hire an attorney to submit an answer to the bank's foreclosure action. Otherwise, ...
probate3/10/2005
  Q: I am a "expert" over in, heating & air conditioning. My question, in general. When an estate in in ...
  A: Bill: Have you probated the will? Have you been named executor? If so, you must hire an attorney ...
property and heirs2/28/2005
  Q: Park, My Mother recently passed away and has left 2 homes in mine and 3 other brothers name.We ...
  A: Pitts: If you have retained an attorney, he should handle these types of issues for you. I would ...
Please help, things aren't right here.2/25/2005
  Q: I hope that you can please help me. My brother passed away 5 yrs ago in Endicott NY. I was never ...
  A: Zupa: You should file a notice of appearance (either individually or with your attorney) with the ...
POA's2/24/2005
  Q: I assume this is a pretty easy question for you, and it is : Can there be two people designated as ...
  A: It would be irresponsible of me to offer drafting advice on a POA without seeing the entire ...
POA's2/24/2005
  Q: I assume this is a pretty easy question for you, and it is : Can there be two people designated as ...
  A: Have your mother execute a new POA and destroy all copies of the current POA. Make sure the new POA ...
personal property distribution to multiple heirs2/24/2005
  Q: I am an adult who, along with six other cousins, has inherited an unmarried uncle's estate. It is ...
  A: If your uncle died intestate (without a will), then you and your cousins should divide all personal ...
Estate Disbursement2/22/2005
  Q: My family is in the middle of a civil suit. My brother was killed 3 1/2 years ago at a motor cross ...
  A: If your brother had a will, then your inheritance depends on the terms of that will. If your ...
will2/21/2005
  Q: My grandma died 14 years ago and we have just recieved her will. My mother gave me her last name on ...
  A: Speak with the attorney who is administering the estate and have him re-issue the check in your ...
trust?2/7/2005
  Q: my uncle wants my cousin to sign a document that says he will give my uncle 50% of his inheritance. ...
  A: Your cousin should speak with an attorney, even if only briefly, before signing anything. You will ...
Powers / fees of a trust2/7/2005
  Q: Mr. Park, My father recently died, a widower, he and my mother had set up a trust, the trustee is ...
  A: In NY state, for testamentary trusts, the Trustee's fees are set by statute (annual 1.05% for the ...
will/estate2/4/2005
  Q: My name is Radu. I am interested to purchase part of the estate of my friend who died. I would like ...
  A: Contact the Surrogate's court in the county where your friend was living whenhe died. You can ...
Transferring ownership of stocks.1/13/2005
  Q: This is a NY matter. I am executor of a relative's will. There are some stock holdings, (I am in ...
  A: Sita: Generally, when an individual dies with a will, the executor named in the will must submit ...
Irrrevocable Trusts1/11/2005
  Q: Who qualifies to be a trustee or executor of an estate? Can the two sole beneficiaries act in this ...
  A: Please repost with a more detailed description of your situation, including: - in which state did ...
Will & Trust1/2/2005
  Q: Is there a web site I can access that will give me will & trust information and maybe forms to fill ...
  A: You can use google to find several websites out there that provide generic forms. However, these ...
Family Limited Partnerships12/29/2004
  Q: I mistakenly deleted the automatic reply that had the link to the answer of the question I emailed ...
  A: I am not familiar with how to retrieve the link. I have copeid the text of the message below. ...
family limited partnerships12/28/2004
  Q: Over the last 20 years I have gifted my children a total of 40% of my total assets (which consist of ...
  A: Dzubow: How have you been gifting your assets to your children to date? Piece by piece? Dollar ny ...
trust12/25/2004
  Q: I recently had a turst prepared by an attorney. He said you don't file it with any agency. You just ...
  A: You are correct. A trust is like a will, power of attorney, or any other estate planning document. ...
Life estate question12/23/2004
  Q: Can I add some more info? This was grandma's house. She died and left the house in equal shares to ...
  A: What a quagmire. I strongly suggest that you bring your case to an attorney (most importantly, with ...
Life estate question12/23/2004
  Q: Can a life tenant sell the property without the permission of the remainderman? If they can, can ...
  A: The purchaser (the friend) will be subject to the claims of the remaindermen after the life of the ...
trusts12/21/2004
  Q: I've communicated before with you regarding this but its not settled: My uncle died 10 months ago ...
  A: If there was a will and the estate is worth at least $1.2 million, the will must go through probate ...
Adding name to title12/20/2004
  Q: My girlfriend and I have been living together for about 12 years. (California) She has a home that ...
  A: I am licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey, but not California. As such, I strongly ...
Estate12/7/2004
  Q: My Grandfather passed away 3 months ago. He told me that he drew up a will with his Attorney and ...
  A: Your uncle will not be able to sell the property until he probates the will through the local ...
will/trust/power of attorney11/16/2004
  Q: I am power of attorney for my mother who is in the last stages of cancer. She has a will from 1984. ...
  A: 1. When she passes, her assets will be distributed by the executor named in her will pursuant to ...
Bank account11/11/2004
  Q: I have my bank account in trust to my 22 year old daughter in NY state. When I die, can she just ...
  A: Tom Trifiletti: If the bank account is a ITF ("in trust for") or FBO ("for benefit of") type of ...
Will a will save money?11/8/2004
  Q: I was wondering if a will does primarily save a family from the pain of dividing an estate or is ...
  A: Certain types of wills help to minimize a family's estate tax liability. However, estate tax is ...
QUESTION ON WILLS11/3/2004
  Q: I have several questions on wills, first how long will a will last. If a will was made in 1982, is ...
  A: A properly executed will should last indefinitely. What do you mean by "review" the estate? An ...
Stalemate over intestate property10/25/2004
  Q: My grandmother passed away last year without a will. My uncle, brother and I are the distributees of ...
  A: You must begin by going back to Surrogate's court and filing to be appointed adiminstrator of the ...
Letters of Administration10/15/2004
  Q: -- Thank you for the speedy response. My sister died in White Plains Hospital but she resided in ...
  A: Patillo: If your sister died without a will, then tou must file a petition for letters of ...
trusts10/5/2004
  Q: Can a spouse set up a trust for, say, adult children, using funds such as I-Bonds, IRA's, bank ...
  A: J. Dollinger: First, I am an attorney admitted to practice in NY and NJ. As such I cannot advise ...
power of attorney9/25/2004
  Q: how do i resign my power of attorney for my stepdad and turn it over to y step brother, who is named ...
  A: Teri Dolphin: I am an attorney licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey, and not Colorado. ...
--------------- Find out...9/24/2004
  Q: --------------- Find out if your sister has set up trustee bank accounts to hold the estate assets. ...
  A: There is a court procedure to compel the production of a trust document. However, going through the ...
will rights9/17/2004
  Q: My mother was named in my late aunt's will over a year ago. My mother recently passed away. The ...
  A: Bonilla: Your mother's inheritance from your aunt's estate will pass into your mother's estate. ...
My father died -- benefactors, admin. & no will9/14/2004
  Q: I am going through a situation and need to know if I need a lawyer. Since I am unfamiliar with this ...
  A: First, please be aware that I am attorney licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey, buy not ...
trust9/13/2004
  Q: Mr Park -- I wrote a revocable living trust/ pour-over will/medical directive for my mother, who is ...
  A: Stafford: I am licensed to practice in NY and NJ, so please regard this as a general discussion of ...
inheritance9/6/2004
  Q: I am named in my uncles will. The estate is approx 1.5 million and I will get about 1/12th. My 2 ...
  A: Morgan: The IRS does not require waivers to distribute estate assets. Most executors require the ...
nevada spend thrift trust9/4/2004
  Q: i want to set up a nevada spend thrift trust for asset protection. i was referred to an attorney ...
  A: I am an attorney in New York, and I would also charge a minimum of $2,000 to advise you and draft a ...
CRT Payments9/2/2004
  Q: If someone has not taken out the 7% (or whatever) like they were supposed to for a CRT, can they go ...
  A: Darin: If the CRT trustee has not been distributing, the trustee should have been filing annual ...
will of ex spouse8/25/2004
  Q: My ex husband recently got married. In the will we had together I was beneficiary of assets. I ...
  A: As a NY attorney unfamiliar with Indiana law, I can only offer you general guidance and suggest that ...
Wills and Surrogate court8/24/2004
  Q: -----Mr. Park thank you for your timely response. I guess the obvious question I should now ask is ...
  A: No, you don't need to retain another attorney for the hearing. The judge is just tying to expedite ...
Will8/23/2004
  Q: My grandmother has all of her money (a little over $1,000,000) in CDs and in the federal reserve. ...
  A: Usually, CD's or other bank accounts should be titled "Granmother ITF (In Trust For) Tess," or ...
probate law8/19/2004
  Q: When one spouse dies, does the other spouse automatically inherit all property that is jointly owned ...
  A: Finley: I am a New York attorney, and I cannot speak authoritatively on Nebraska, Oklahoma, or ...
WILLS AND PROBATE COURT8/17/2004
  Q: MY MOTHER HAD A WILL ORIGINALLY WRITTEN APPROXIMAELY 20YEARS AGO BY A LOCAL ATTORNEY. IT NEEDS TO ...
  A: McKenzie: In New York, alterations to a will (codicils) must be witnessed and executed with the ...

All Questions in This Category

Trusts & Estates Law

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Anthony S. Park

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

New York wills, probate, and estate planning.

"Wills" includes advice and preparation of the following documents: wills, powers of attorney, living wills, healthcare proxies, burial instructions, and other supporting documents.

"Probate" includes the following Surrogate's Court proceedings: probate, intestate administration, small estate administration, and most other proceedings.

"Estate Planning" includes planning for the following areas: asset protection, estate tax, income tax, charitable giving, and other wealth planning issues.

Experience

Experience: Anthony Park is an attorney with an active Wills, Probate, and Estate Planning practice located in midtown Manhattan.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.