FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 2 - Lacy Katzen LLP

What happens if I die without executing a Will? Is it true that New York State will take my assets if I die without a Will?

New York State imposes a default estate plan for you; it is called the law...

What is a Living Will?

A Living Will is an expression of your intentions regarding medical care should you have...

Why is it important to execute a Health Care Proxy?

Because you can choose the person to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot...

What happens if I have not executed a durable Power of Attorney and I become incapacitated?

Your family must undertake an expensive guardianship proceeding in court to get someone appointed to...

Why is a durable Power of Attorney necessary?

Because if you become incapacitated or incompetent, it allows your designated agent to act in...

Why do I need a Will?

Your Last Will and Testament allows you to appoint an Executor and Trustees, designate how...

What is the purpose of estate planning?

Estate planning seeks to ensure that if you die or become disabled, your personal and...

How long does the estate administration process take?

Each estate is unique, the amount of time to administer an estate depends upon whether...

When and where does the reading of the Will occur?

While the Will reading has made for many dramatic moments in movies and television throughout...

Can anyone contest a Will?

A person or entity must having standing, or a financial interest in the outcome, to...

Who is notified when a probate proceeding occurs?

New York State law requires that certain family members (called "distributees"), beneficiaries and fiduciaries named...

What makes up the probate estate?

The probate estate includes any assets owned individually by the decedent at death that do...

Does an Executor get paid for his or her service?

New York State law allows Executors to receive payment in the form of a commission,...

What responsibilities does an Executor have?

In addition to collecting assets and paying debts of the decedent, an Executor may need...

What happens after a Will is admitted to probate?

Once an Executor is appointed, the Executor can begin to collect the decedent’s assets, open...

When does the Executor begin their work?

Although a person may be named in a Will as an Executor, that proposed Executor...

What is probate?

Probate is a court proceeding where a decedent’s Will is presented to a judge to...

What is estate administration?

Estate administration is the process of collecting and transferring assets from a decedent to the...

Do you issue regular status reports?

A Client may always request an update by utilizing a dedicated email address. If the...

What is your policy on remittances?

We typically remit to a client once a month. A client will receive a detailed...

What is your policy on settling claims?

Claims are not settled without first obtaining the client’s approval, unless the settlement is within...

What are your fees?

Our fees are discussed and agreed upon prior to accepting your claim and incorporated into...

How much does it cost to initiate suit?

It depends upon the court. If City Court is used, we request an advance of...

What Happens After Judgment is Entered?

After judgment is entered, enforcement proceedings are immediately commenced. Income execution to garnish wages, restraining...

What Happens After Suit is Filed?

Your file is advanced the appropriate number of days depending in how the debtor was...

When does litigation commence?

In the event contact with the debtor fails to produce a payment arrangement, our office...

What happens after I place my claim with your firm?

You will receive an acknowledgment of the claim placed with our firm and the terms...

What geographical areas do you cover?

Lacy Katzen LLP handles claims throughout the entire State of New York.

What is incapacity planning and do I need it?

When estate planning or business succession planning is done properly, all eventualities are taken into...

How should I approach succession planning?

Determine the goals you want to achieve with succession planning by considering the core values...

How does a succession plan help to protect my business?

Your business succession plan will be developed to fit the specific needs of your business....

Why is business succession planning important?

To ensure that the financial interest you have made in your business is protected if...

What is business succession planning?

Business succession planning is the process of taking the necessary steps to ensure your company...

Who pays my medical bills if I am injured in a motorcycle accident?

Unfortunately, there are no personal injury protection or no-fault insurance benefits for motorcyclists. Although some...

Are motorcycle accidents the same as other motor vehicle accidents?

No. The rules that apply to motorcycle cases are very different from those that apply...

What happens if an uninsured driver injures me?

Your insurance policy should provide something called “Uninsured (UM) or Underinsured (UIM) Motorist Coverage.” This...

What should I do if the accident was my fault?

Do not make any admissions at the scene. Do inquire if anyone is injured and call...

Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

Perhaps you think that you should negotiate directly with the insurance company. The insurance adjuster...

What is a contingency fee?

Motor vehicle accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that compensation...

Does Lacy Katzen LLP charge a fee for an initial consultation?

No. Lacy Katzen LLP’s personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. You should contact an attorney...

Can I bring a claim against the at-fault driver?

Yes, if your injuries are serious, as defined by New York law. In New York,...

Who will pay my bills after an auto accident?

In most situations, your own automobile insurance carrier will pay for your accident-related medical bills...

I was in a car accident. What should I do?

Call the Police If you have been involved in an auto, truck or motorcycle accident, your...

Blog

Blog

Next Steps: Sync an Email Add-On

FEATURED NEWS AND ARTICLES

Get in touch