Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Hospice Care Is Not As Scary As You Think
End-of-life care is an important part of everyone’s estate plan. If you have long-term care insurance, you are on the right track, and if you have stated your wishes in writing about allocating decision-making authority about your healthcare decisions to a relative or lawyer in the event that you become severely ill, you have… Read More »
Can Predatory Loans Rear Their Ugly Heads During Probate?
They say that the rich get richer while the poor stay poor, but if someone offers you $1,000 that you never have to pay back simply because you own a house, you should read the fine print. Of course, even homeowners are in a precarious enough financial position these days that $1,000 makes a… Read More »
Where Have All The Nursing Homes Gone?
Do you dream of retiring to a quiet town in the Sun Belt, where there are more wading birds than humans within walking distance of your house? Would you prefer to stay in the same house where you have lived since birth, in the town where your family has lived for generations? Both of… Read More »
How To Make Sure An Appraisal Lines Up With The Home’s Value
A big part of any real estate transaction is the appraisal of a property being sold. Typically, potential buyers don’t book an appraisal until after they’ve accepted a seller’s offer and proceeded to financing the purchase. (Often, an appraisal will be required by a bank lender to complete financing of the property loan.) When… Read More »
Common Real Estate Disputes And How To Avoid Them
Property disputes happen more often than we’d think, due to the numerous issues and complexities that can arise between neighboring properties. Whether they involve boundary disputes, zoning issues, or some other problem, property disputes can flare up from time to time – often when purchasing or selling real estate. A property dispute typically becomes… Read More »
Inheriting A House With A Sibling: An Overview Of Your Options And Estate Planning Strategies
For most people in New York, their home is among their largest assets. According to data from NeighborhoodScout, the median home value in the Bronx is now above $565,000. Parents may pass their house down to their children through their will or a trust. For siblings, dealing with inherited real estate can sometimes prove… Read More »
Is An Out-Of-State Will Still Recognized As Valid In New York?
America is a mobile society. According to data from The New York Times, approximately 40 percent of people nationwide live in a different state than the one that they were born in. You may be wondering: Is my will still valid if I moved to New York? The general answer is “yes”—though it is… Read More »
Special Needs Planning In New York: Your Guide To ABLE Accounts
People with special needs require specialized consideration in estate planning. Many people with special needs receive public benefits throughout Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or other government programs. Here is the challenge: These programs are strictly means-tested— a special needs person who has too much income or assets may not qualify. Leaving money or… Read More »
Providing For A Pet In An Estate Plan: A Guide To Pet Trusts In New York
According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Americans collectively own approximately 140 million pets. For many, pets become true members of the family. If your pet is important to you, it is worth considering them as part of your estate plan. In New York State, a pet trust is an option… Read More »
When, How, And Why To Use A HIPAA Release As Part Of Your Estate Plan
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of sensitive medical records. It requires doctors, medical providers, and insurers to keep records private. A HIPAA release is an estate planning tool that people can use to allow trusted family members and/or loved ones to access their… Read More »