New York and New Jersey Gift Taxes in 2026: Family Guide

In both New York and New Jersey, the federal gift tax rules allow the donor to follow the federal gift tax rules and exemptions. In 2026, the federal annual gift tax exclusion allows individuals to give up to $19,000 per recipient, per year without incurring Read More …

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in New York

Last updated: June 12, 2026  |  By Inna Fershteyn, Esq.  |  Reading time: ~8 minutes When a person dies without a will in the state of New York, the person is said to have died “intestate.” In that case, how the property is inherited and Read More …

New York Estate Tax Exemption 2026: A Family Guide

Last updated: May 29, 2026 | By Inna Fershteyn, Esq. | Reading time: ~9 minutes The New York estate tax exemption for 2026 is $7,350,000 per individual — the amount a person can pass to his beneficiaries before any New York State estate tax is Read More …

New York Medicaid Changes in 2027: Family Guide

Last updated: May 22, 2026 | By Inna Fershteyn, Esq. | Reading time: ~9 minutes Several federal and New York changes are reshaping Medicaid and Essential Plan eligibility through 2026 and into 2027, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1). The Read More …

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts in NY: 2026 Guide

Last updated: May 22, 2026 | By Inna Fershteyn, Esq. | Reading time: ~10 minutes A revocable trust can be changed or undone by the grantor at any time during his lifetime; an irrevocable trust generally cannot. That single distinction drives every other difference: a Read More …

Medicaid 5-Year Lookback in New York: 2026 Family Guide

Last updated: May 20, 2026 | By Inna Fershteyn, Esq. | Reading time: ~9 minutes The Medicaid 5-year lookback in New York reviews every asset transfer you made in the 60 months before applying for nursing home Medicaid. The state calculates a penalty period by Read More …

How to Handle Surprise Heirs and Late Estate Challenges

Even with the most thought-out, thorough, detailed estate plan, failure to anticipate surprise heirs and challenges can completely throw your plans into disarray. Not considering the possibility of having a distant relative or an estranged child who can make a claim that challenges your decisions Read More …

2026 Update to SNAP Eligibility Rules in New York: Work Requirements and ABAWD Changes

New SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect: What ABAWDs in New York Must Know Thousands of individuals across New York and the tri-state area are now subject to stricter federal work requirements in order to continue receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The updated rules Read More …

How to Protect Real Estate You Own in Multiple States or Countries: A Guide for NY and NJ Property Owners

For many New York and New Jersey residents, owning real estate outside their primary residence represents financial achievement and long-term security. Whether it is a second home in Florida, an investment property in Pennsylvania, or inherited property abroad, cross-border ownership is increasingly common. However, when Read More …