Category Archives: Wills,Trusts and Probate

Discussion related to wills, trusts, probate

Does my will have to be notarized to be valid in New York?

This is a common misconception I hear from clients and the answer is no, a will is not signed before a notary public but must be signed before two witnesses. Once the testator (the person signing the will) has signed, … Continue reading

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How do I transfer my New York City house or condo to my living trust?

Revocable trusts, commonly referred to as “Living Trusts” are becoming more popular in New York. If you have a Living Trust or are considering setting up a Living Trust, it is important to make sure that any assets you own … Continue reading

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Remote Will Signing and Witnessing in New York During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Please note that since this blog article was published the emergency authorization allowing remote will signing has expired. Almost everyone in New York State and New York City, the epicenter of the Coronavrus pandemic, has been social distancing resulting in … Continue reading

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Is Estate Planning Remotely With Your NY Attorney Better Than Using Legal Software?

Please note that since this blog article was published the emergency authorization allowing remote will signing has expired. Many people are considering using legal software to prepare their wills and other legal documents under the mistaken belief that law offices … Continue reading

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Estate Planning in New York During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Please note that since this blog article was published the emergency authorization allowing remote will signing has expired. Many people are probably wondering how they can plan their affairs during the coronavirus pandemic while maintaining social distancing. Can I sign … Continue reading

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The Law Office of George H. Dippel is Open During the Coronavirus Outbreak

The Law Office of George H. Dippel, in compliance with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s emergency declaration, is now operating from our home office. While certain activities such as sit down closings, will signings and personal consultations in our office are not … Continue reading

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How do I transfer my New York co-op apartment to my living trust?

Revocable trusts, often called “living trusts” are an increasingly popular choice for people who wish to avoid probate when planning their estates. For a discussion on “living trusts” refer to my blog post: http://www.dippellaw.com/wordpress/how-can-i-avoid-probate-of-a-will-in-new-york/ As I discussed in my above … Continue reading

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Should I agree to be the executor of my friend’s New York will?

At some point you may be asked if you would be willing to be named an executor in a friend or family member’s last will and testament.  The first thought that may pop into your mind is “If I say … Continue reading

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Do I need to file income tax returns as the Executor of a New York Estate?

Understandably I am often asked this question as April 15th approaches.  If a decedent’s estate has earned more than $600 in income during the tax year, the executor or administrator needs to file both Federal and New York State fiduciary … Continue reading

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How does an Executor or Administrator settle a New York Estate?

One of the first questions I hear from clients who have been appointed an executor or administrator is “How do I finalize or settle this estate?”  After the fiduciary, (i.e., an executor or administrator) of a New York estate has … Continue reading

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