Patricia Marcin answers questions about trusts, estates, wills and succession planning.

What is probate, and how long does it take?

Probate is a process in which the court determines if the will is valid and appoints the executor, who can then take control of the decedent’s assets. How long probate will take depends upon the

When a loved one dies, families understandably focus first on funeral arrangements, bank accounts, insurance, taxes and the many immediate tasks that follow. Reward points from credit cards, airlines and hotels may not come to mind right away. Yet those accounts can hold meaningful value.

Reward points usually do not pass like money

As of August 5, 2026, eligible terminally ill New Yorkers can request medical aid to die under New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act (MAID). Under MAID, a qualified terminally ill patient may request from his or her physician prescription medicine to give to themselves either at home or in a healthcare facility, but the

For years, people with terminal illnesses had no choice but to live out their remaining time, with no hope of recovery and often in severe pain. While 13 states and territories have statutes permitting aid in dying, New York lacked such a measure. That all changed last month.

As of Aug. 5, terminally

There is an estate planning technique that allows you to gift your personal residence to your kids while still getting to live there. A qualified personal residence trust (a/k/a a house trust) permits you to transfer your residence to the trust and retain the right to live there for a certain number of years rent-free,

Many people own second homes that, in the right circumstances, can be used to make gifts and reduce the portion of their estate subject to estate tax.

With the high 2026 federal estate and gift tax exemption ($15 million), no New York State gift tax, and the high 2026 New York State estate tax exemption

When a parent or loved one becomes seriously ill, suffers an injury, or begins showing signs of dementia, families may suddenly find themselves making urgent decisions while also coping with worry, uncertainty, and grief. One question often rises to the top: “If Mom can’t sign documents anymore, what can we do?”

The answer depends on

If you’ve ever read a will, you’ll see the term “executor.” An executor is the person you appoint to carry out your wishes as expressed in your will. The executor’s job lasts a relatively short period of time, typically two to three years, ending with the final distribution of the estate’s assets to the beneficiaries.

Tricia Marcin authored the article, “Expressing Gratitude: Using Your IRA to Make Gifts to Brightway,” which was published on Brightway.com, one of Long Island’s largest organizations serving children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization supports more than 1,600 people across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The article explains how eligible individuals can

One issue that resonates with many parents is the loss of control over decisions involving their children once they turn 18. While we may know better, an 18-year-old is generally considered an adult under New York law.

Many are just beginning their journey into adulthood, whether they are starting advanced training, heading off