elder law in New York

There are many estate planning tools that should be considered when writing a will. While the obvious includable provisions are for assets and property distribution, you should also consider how you want your life insurance policy distributed as well as any retirement benefit accounts. The policies you have subscribed to and pay premiums on will administer a life insurance policy or benefits as you have provided, however, many people forget to amend these policies when they go through events such as a divorce or if they lose a loved one.

Life Insurance Policies

Failing to update life insurance policies can end up benefitting a party you no longer intend to provide for, such as a former spouse who has since remarried, or a family member or friend you have been estranged from. Thus, it is certainly a good practice to amend and update your policy after a major event or to make sure it aligns with your wishes every few years. Making reference to the life insurance policy and the intended beneficiary in your will just goes to further support your claim to show whom you wish to receive the proceeds of policy.

Physician Assisted Suicide and The Election

Physician assisted suicide has continued to be a widely controversial, but popular topic across the country over the past decade. With the presidential election coming to a close very soon, the future of physician assisted suicide, or dying with dignity, may become a more widely spread practice, legal medical practice available to those terminally ill patients. Thus far, The Death with Dignity Act, or a similar version, has been passed in Oregon, Washington, Vermont, California and Montana.

California recently passed the California End of Life Option Act in June of 2016, after years of deliberation, voting and criticism, Governor Jerry Brown ultimately signed the bill into effect in the fall of 2015. Many families are relieved that this may become an option for a terminally ill loved one. What is different about death under this Act, is that it is no longer viewed as suicide, and will legally allow loved ones to retain what their terminally ill family member has designated for them after their passing.

Articles Tagged with elder law in New York

Rights to Life Insurance Policies and Retirement Accounts

Physician Assisted Suicide and The Election