Wills
Having a Last Will and Testament is important as it allows you to choose the beneficiaries of your property and to name your Executor. But dealing with estate planning and writing a will can be confusing. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to break through the complexities of Wills and other estate planning tools with each and every client. We work with you to create the right estate plan based on your specific needs and assets.
Trusts
Trusts are a vital part of many estate plans. There are different types of trusts: Revocable, Irrevocable, Testamentary, and Supplemental trusts. With each offering advantages and disadvantages, depending on their purpose. Trusts can be set up to address the needs of disabled, minor beneficiaries and provide estate tax relief. Our attorneys take the mystery out of "trusts" and offer advice on which trust best suits your specific situation.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have. There are three main categories of powers of attorney: Limited, General, and Durable. There are many factors that go into deciding whom to appoint, to what powers to give, so it is important to have an experienced lawyer guide you through the process.
Guardianship - Surrogate's Court
We represent clients in contested and non-contested guardianship proceedings under Article 17 and Article 17-A of the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act. Our attorneys have the compassion and dedication to represent individuals and families during these often very difficult proceedings.
Health Care Proxy
A health care proxy is a document within which you (the principal) appoint an agent to make your medical decisions if you can no longer make your own. We assist our clients with their questions on who to appoint and put together their advance directive document.
Estate Litigation
These can be very emotional and scary times especially if proper planning has not been done. Will there be a contest? If so, the attorneys at Kommer Bave & Ciccone LLP are tireless advocates for their clients in any contested proceeding.
We work hard to protect our clients' assets by crafting estate plans and strategies with meticulous attention to detail. Many clients come to us unsure of what they need related to finances, healthcare issues, and family needs. We help them decide where assets will be directed and how to account for any unique circumstances. Dealing with estate planning and writing a Last Will and Testament can be confusing. The trust and estate planning attorneys at Kommer Bave & Ciccone LLP take pride in educating our clients by answering all of their questions and providing individualized attention to their needs. We also address issues related to long term care needs such as long term care insurance and Medicaid planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
A person who dies with a Will, dies “testate”. Most people should have a Last Will and Testament in order for you to choose the beneficiaries of your property and to name your Executor, the person in charge of your estate. A person who dies without a Will, dies “intestate” and New York State law governs who your “distributees” or beneficiaries are, as well as the person in charge of your estate.