Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Who gets your jewelry if you die without a Will?
Who gets your jewelry? We don’t know. Nor will you. Because in the State of New York, if you don't have a Will, your assets and...
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Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Apr 93 min read
Do I need to revise my Will as the result of the Solar Eclipse?
Despite the excitement and importance surrounding the Solar Eclipse the answer is obviously no. Now that we got out of the way, here are...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jan 93 min read
"Actually, Artificial Intelligence can be quite intelligent. Who needs Lawyers?"
These days you can't turn on the news, surf your computer, or turn on the radio without hearing about Artificial Intelligence or the...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 12, 20232 min read
Understanding the Differences Between a Will and a Trust
Everyone has heard the terms "Will" and “Trust,” but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Dec 8, 20211 min read
The Covid pandemic has created a need to keep Wills and Estate Plans up-to-date.
The pandemic appears to have generated a bigger interest in estate planning, which includes a will and other legal documents that address...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Sep 17, 20213 min read
You were appointed Executor…Now what?
Being the executor of an estate is not a task to take lightly. An executor is the person responsible for managing the administration...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 12, 20213 min read
Steps to Prevent a Contested Will
Generally, only a person’s closest heirs, or “distributees” are able to contest a Will. Will contests can drag out for years, keeping all th
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 1, 20203 min read
Why Not Just Use an Off-the-Shelf Power of Attorney Form?
There are many do-it-yourself power of attorney forms available; however, it is a good idea to have an attorney draft the form for you.
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Apr 9, 20206 min read
Check your Planning for the 'new world.'
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly spread, and the stock market decline and volatility continue, our office has been extremely...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Aug 14, 20185 min read
You may have signed a Living Will, but scary mistakes can happen at the ER
BY JUDITH GRAHAM AUGUST 5 WASHINGTON POST/HEALTH & SCIENCE “Don’t resuscitate this patient; he has a living will,” the nurse told the...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Feb 21, 20182 min read
Stepmothers and Estate Planning: Who inherits?
Via Quentin Fottrell Dear Moneyologist, My dad passed away five years ago. He did leave a will on how he wanted his estate to be...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jun 4, 20172 min read
What are the advantages of a PrePlan — pre-paying funeral expenses?
There are many advantages. Both financial and practical. On the financial side, New York State allows an individual applying for Medicaid...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Mar 7, 20173 min read
Steps to Prevent a Contested Will
Emotions can run high at the death of a family member. If a family member is unhappy with the amount they received (or didn’t receive)...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Aug 27, 20164 min read
No will or estate plan? Big problem for you and your heirs
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Financial advisors say that most Americans can benefit from it. Read on and see how you can...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jul 26, 20162 min read
Will Drafter’s Failures Don’t Help Undue Influencer’s Case
A New York trial court determines that an incapacitated woman was unduly influenced by her agent under a power of attorney, noting that...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jul 6, 20163 min read
You were appointed Executor…Now what?
Being the executor of an estate is not a task to take lightly. An executor is the person responsible for managing the administration of a...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Apr 27, 20163 min read
Did rockstar Prince die without a Will?
Who will get his millions? This article in USA Today states; Prince left no will, according to documents filed Tuesday by his sister,...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Dec 5, 20154 min read
Choosing a trustee and an executor
The requirements for a trustee and how to choose one How do you choose a trustee? What qualities should a trustee have? Alisa Shin and...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jun 24, 20153 min read
Surrogate Court Affirms Bequest To Same-Sex Ex-Partner
As Published in The New York Law Journal Decedent’s Former Partner Can Inherit Estate, Judge Says Andrew Keshner, New York Law Journal...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 29, 20152 min read
BB King heirs to challenge his Will and actions of manager
Associated Press in Las Vegas Lawyer for daughters and other heirs alleges business manager misappropriated millions, had been untruthful...
Important news for seniors and their families
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