In New York, dying without a will means the state distributes your assets by formula, not by your wishes. Unmarried partners get nothing. Stepchildren get nothing. Here is what the law actually does and why it matters.
Your executor handles everything after you’re gone – court filings, taxes, creditors, and asset distribution. Choosing the right person under New York law matters more than most people realize. Here’s what to consider.
New York’s estate tax cliff means that exceeding the exemption by even a small amount can trigger tax on your entire estate. For families in Westchester, a home and a life insurance policy may be all it takes to fall over the edge.