Estate Planning Pro Tips
In this series of podcasts, attorney Tim Crisafulli helps listeners understand essential aspects of estate planning, probate, and elder law. As a former middle school and high school teacher, Tim makes complex legal concepts easy to understand. The Crisafulli Estate Planning & Elder Law, P.C. serves clients throughout central New York.
What is Spousal Refusal?
Spousal refusal is a strategy used to qualify an ill spouse for chronic Medicaid benefits where the other spouse is in relatively good health.
Probate Part I: You're Not an Executor Until the Court Says So
Many people mistakenly believe that being named as executor in a will is all it takes to actually be a decedent’s executor. Tim explains why this is incorrect.
Probate Part II: The Court Appointed You as Executor, Now What?
After securing “Letters Testamentary”, specific, raised-seal documents from a Surrogate’s Court, an executor is in place and the real work of estate administration begins.
Who needs Estate Planning and when?
Tim explains why Estate Planning is for everyone and the best times in life to visit (or revisit) it.
What if I die without a Will?
Tim shares details about the default plan that the state already has in place for your assets if you die without a Will.
What are my options if I inherit an IRA or Qualified Plan Asset?
Tim explains the options that the beneficiary of an IRA has when the original owner passes away.
How to plan with life insurance
In this episode, Tim explores the nuances of planning with life insurance.
Overview of trusts
Tim compares key features and functions of different types of trusts.
Health Care Proxy, Living Will, and Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)
Tim describes key documents needed to maintain control of your health care decision making.
Nursing home now - never too late
Tim explains how people can save assets even if they are about to enter, or even if they are already admitted to a nursing home.
Power of Attorney
Tim explores the purpose of this estate planning document and point out ways in which one type may differ from another.
It might not matter what your Will says
Tim reviews assets that pass to others regardless of what a decedent’s Last Will and Testament might say.
How much can I give away every year?
Tim addresses key considerations of lifetime gifting.
How much for a Simple Will?
Tim explains when a Simple Will is sufficient, and why some people choose more advanced planning.
Should I sign over my house to my kids?
Tim describes the downsides to transferring a house to adult children while retaining life use, and also suggests an alternative.