Reena Gulati Blog

An estate plan is a set of legal documents that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed and managed after you pass away. It is an important tool for ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of and that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, there are several reasons why you may need to change your estate plan over time.

In New York, a durable financial power of attorney and a springing financial power of attorney are two different types of legal documents that allow a person to appoint someone else to manage their financial affairs. While both documents can be useful in certain situations, they have some key differences that are important to understand.

Estate planning is an essential part of financial planning for everyone, but it is especially important for single people. Without a spouse or children to provide for, they have different considerations when leaving their assets. If you are single, estate planning is necessary to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without it, state law will determine what happens to everything you own.

When it comes to estate planning in New York, there are several documents that are essential to ensure that your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated or pass away. A basic estate plan should include a will, a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy, and a living will.

Generally, when we talk about a Will, it refers to a document that distributes your financial assets upon your death. Often though, people believe a Living Will is the same thing as a Will. These are two separate and distinct estate planning documents. As just stated, a traditional Will, more formally known as the Last Will & Testament, transfers your financial wealth to your heirs or your distributees, including individuals and/or charities, you determine should receive your assets upon your death. A Living Will on the other hand, is a document that informs your health care agent (i.e., a person you choose to make health care decisions for you when you are unable) what your wishes are regarding your end-of-life care.