Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
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...
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Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
- Dec 8, 2021
- 1 min
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, 2021
- 3 min
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, 2021
- 3 min
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.
- Oct 30, 2020
- 1 min
Who gets your jewelry if you die without a Will?
We don’t know. Nor will you. Because in the State of New York, if you don't have a Will, your assets and...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
- May 1, 2020
- 3 min
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, 2020
- 6 min
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, 2018
- 5 min
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, 2018
- 2 min
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, 2017
- 2 min
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, 2017
- 3 min
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, 2016
- 4 min
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, 2016
- 2 min
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, 2016
- 3 min
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, 2016
- 3 min
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, 2015
- 4 min
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, 2015
- 3 min
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, 2015
- 2 min
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...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
- Dec 12, 2014
- 2 min
Legal DIY Web Sites Are No Match for a Pro, Consumer Reports Concludes
After road testing three leading Web sites that help you create your own will, power of attorney, and other important legal documents,...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
- Aug 5, 2014
- 2 min
Heir tight: The dos and don’ts of creating rock-solid trusts
Good article via Jennifer Woods at Imagine working for decades so that one day you could pass your assets on to your children or...
Important news for seniors and their families
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