“How do we do what Dad wanted?” Joe was a 93-year old father and grandfather who was greatly beloved by his family. When he passed away, many mourned. When his two daughters, Debbie and Linda, were ready, they began cleaning out his home and attempted to gather his...
The poet Robert Burns wrote the memorable line “the best laid plans of mice and men…” and he was correct. Sometimes even the best plans can be foiled by an unexpected turn of events, such as happened to Ann and George. The couple had been married for...
A healthcare proxy is a document that appoints a living person to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to make your own decisions. These decisions include what doctor treats you, which hospital you go to, what and how aggressive your treatment...
If someone dies without a will in New York, they might not need a will. A will only affects assets held by the deceased alone. If they died with all of their assets jointly held by another person, the assets would fall to the joint owner. However, if there were assets...
There are many types of trusts. Revocable trusts can be changed or amended at any time. Irrevocable trusts cannot be changed. Inter-vivos trusts are created during your lifetime. Testamentary trusts are included in your last will and testament, but do not take effect...
Estate administration is a process where there is no will, but the person has assets in their name alone with no place to go. This is unlike when there is a named beneficiary or a clear heir to the inheritance. At Makofsky Valente Law Group, P.C., the experienced Long...
Since 1991, Makofsky Valente Law Group, P.C. (and its predecessor firms), consisting of a compassionate team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff, has devoted its efforts to providing competent and caring legal services in the areas of Elder Law, Trust and Estates, Probate and Estate Administration, Medicaid Planning and Applications, Guardianships, and Special Needs Planning. Founding Partner, Ellen G. Makofsky, is a Certified Elder Law Attorney ("CELA").*