Law Office of Inna Fershteyn and Associates, P.C.
Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney
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
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
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
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
Can you use ChatGPT to write a legally valid will in New York or New Jersey? It’s a question more people are asking every day, as AI tools like ChatGPT become increasingly accessible and estate planning costs remain a concern. While AI can generate text
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
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
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
How to Protect Your Digital Assets As technology advances rapidly, every sector of society is evolving—especially when it comes to wealth management. Cryptocurrencies and digital assets are growing in popularity, introducing new complexities and challenges to estate planning. Unlike traditional assets, crypto holdings are password-protected
It’s very common for aging parents to name their children as health care proxies or agents under a Power of Attorney (POA). Children know their parents well, care deeply about their well-being, and are committed to honoring their wishes, which makes them a natural and