In a decision by New York County Surrogate Court Judge Rita Melia, Judge Melia found a copy of a will could not be submitted to probate. There is a presumption when the original will cannot be found that it was revoked by the person who made the will destroying it. An uncontested action was submitted to Surrogate Melia. It was claimed the … [Read more...]
Convenience Accounts
In 1991, New York State passed a law creating convenience accounts. A convenience account is usually set up by a senior to allow another person who is named on the account to sign checks and make withdrawals solely for the benefit of the senior citizen who created the account. The purpose for the creation of convenience accounts is to avoid … [Read more...]
Comparing Wills and Living Trusts
Both wills and living trusts are testamentary devices which can be utilized to provide for the handing down of your assets to the next generation in your estate after your death. There are benefits to both wills and trusts. A revocable living trust is commonly used as an alternative to maintaining just a simple will. The purpose of this article … [Read more...]
Collecting Social Security Benefits
To watch today's video blog, please click on the link below: https://youtu.be/WO8rHMNlcoo Elliot Schlissel is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He can be reached for a free consultation at 1-800-344-6431, 516-561-6645 or 718-350-2802. … [Read more...]
Collecting Social Security Benefits
Can you collect your spouse’s Social Security benefits? If you are already collecting your own Social Security benefits, can you elect to collect your spouse’s benefits instead of yours? What do you have to do to collect your spouse’s Social Security benefits? These questions and others are common questions seniors have concerning Social Security … [Read more...]
Retirement Savings Should Not Be Withdrawn Early
When individuals and families have financial problems, they often look to bail themselves out by borrowing and/or withdrawing funds from their retirement savings accounts. It is estimated in 2013, approximately a third of individuals who lost their jobs removed their money from their retirement savings accounts. Early withdrawal of funds from a … [Read more...]
Scams Targeting Senior Citizens
To watch today's video blog, please click on the link below: https://youtu.be/-euau4_ig-Q Elliot S. Schlissel is an elder law attorney with more than 45 years experience. He and his associates represent clients with regard to wills, trusts, estate planning and probate administration. He can be reached for consultation at 516-561-6645, … [Read more...]
Benefits of a Trust
Please click on the link below to watch today's video blog: https://youtu.be/r2AvvQNIBF8 Elliot S. Schlissel is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He and his associates have more than 100 years of combined experience representing clients in all aspects of estate planning. He can be reached for consultation by calling … [Read more...]
Alzheimer’s Disease: A Horror Faced by Some Seniors
Are you becoming forgetful? Are you having what is commonly referred to as senior moments? Are you wondering are these the first stages of Alzheimer’s disease? Although memory problems can be a sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, that is not always the case. There are other symptoms to the onset of early Alzheimer’s disease. What is … [Read more...]
Should I Put My Property In My Child’s Name?
The answer to this question is usually no! My office has been involved in estate planning for more than 45 years. A common question presented to me by clients deals with their desire to put their house, stocks, bonds and/or other assets in their children’s name. When this occurs I discuss with the prospective client their inheritance scheme which … [Read more...]
