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What Are Gift Taxes and How Do They Work in NY?

Please read this & contact our firm to discover whether or not it's possible to avoid gift taxes in New York.

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When Will the Court Lift an Automatic Stay in New York?

If you've filed for bankruptcy in NY, understanding the situations in which the court might lift the automatic stay is crucial to prepare.

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How Do I Notify Beneficiaries of Their Inheritance?

Please read this & contact our firm to learn when an Executor has to notify beneficiaries about an inheritance in New York.

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Does Bankruptcy Stop IRS Collection Efforts?

If you're overwhelmed by tax debts, please read this to learn whether or not bankruptcy can stop IRS collection efforts.

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What Are the Responsibilities of an Executor?

Please read this & contact our legal team to learn the key responsibilities of an executor after someone dies in New York.

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What Happens to My Savings Accounts in Bankruptcy?

Worried about your savings accounts when filing for bankruptcy? Read this to learn about potential strategies to protect your assets.

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How Does a Spendthrift Trust Work in NY?

Read this to explore the advantages of a spendthrift trust & discover how our firm can help protect your beneficiary's inheritance.

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Can Bankruptcy Eliminate Judgements Against Me?

If judgements have been entered against you, you may be wondering whether bankruptcy can eliminate outstanding debts. This blog can help.

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What Are the Benefits of Gifting Assets Before Death?

Gifting assets before death can offer several advantages. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about these matters.

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Can I Choose Which Type of Bankruptcy to File in NY?

Are you unsure what bankruptcy chapter is right for you? Read this as we explore your options and the importance of connecting with our…

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How Does a Transfer-On-Death Deed Work in NY?

Please read this as we explore the benefits of creating a Transfer-On-Death Deed in NY & the importance of connecting with our legal team.

Can I Sell Assets Before Filing Bankruptcy in NY?

If you sell assets prior to filing for bankruptcy in New York, it can have several significant consequences. Read on to learn more.

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Does My Will Have to Go Through Probate in New York?

Contrary to popular belief, not all Wills have to go through Probate. Please read this to learn how to bypass this process in New…

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Can I Stop the Bankruptcy Process Once I’ve Started It?

Have you filed for bankruptcy & are now having second thoughts? It may be possible to stop bankruptcy proceedings after they've begun.

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Can I Have More Than One Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney can be given to one person or be split up among multiple loved ones who are responsible enough for the role.

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Victory for The Lauterbach Law Firm: Foreclosure Case Dismissed in Favor of Client

Recently, the Lauterbach Law Firm obtained a favorable decision in a foreclosure case on behalf of their client. Learn more here.

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Do I Need To Go To A Credit Counseling Course Before Bankruptcy?

A credit counseling course is a mandatory part of the bankruptcy process. Here's why you should go before you file.

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Big Win for Lauterbach Law Firm in Mortgage Discharge Appeal

Recently, the Lauterbach Law Firm was handed down a big win in a mortgage discharge appeal case. Learn more here.

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Can I Set Up A Trust For My Grandchildren?

Our lawyers can help you set up a trust for your grandchildren and why this may be the preferable way to leave an inheritance.

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What Happens If I Inherit Money During Bankruptcy?

If you inherit any money during a bankruptcy filing, it's important to know how that can affect the process,

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How Do I Talk to My Family About My Estate Plan?

Talking to your family about your estate plan is important, especially if you want to reduce the chances of conflict breaking out.

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What Should I Avoid Doing Before Filing For Bankruptcy?

You need to be smart when preparing for a bankruptcy filing, and part of that means knowing what actions to avoid.

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How Does Estate Planning Help Avoid Family Disputes?

Estate planning can help you avoid family disputes and make your final wishes clear to all of your beneficiaries.

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What Should I Do Before Filing For Bankruptcy?

There are a few things that you should do before filing for bankruptcy and a few more that you should avoid.

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What is a Dynasty Trust and How Does It Work For Future Generations?

A dynasty trust could be an incredibly effective way to transfer your wealth to multiple future generations.

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What If I Miss A Payment In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

If you go through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you need to stick to your repayment plan. You could face consequences if you miss a payment.

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What Should Baby Boomers Think About During Estate Planning?

There are a few issues that baby boomers may need to consider as they make their estate plan and choose their beneficiaries.

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What is a Bankruptcy Cramdown?

A bankruptcy cramdown can be a useful way to reduce how much debt needs to be paid after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.

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Can I Revoke Or Cancel A Will?

It is possible to revoke or cancel a will, and it can even be recommended in some cases. Our estate planning lawyers can tell…

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Can I Discharge Legal Fees In Bankruptcy?

You can often discharge legal fees during bankruptcy, but sometimes this type of debt can be tougher to get rid of than expected.

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When Can I Contest a Will?

There are many good reasons to contest a will after a loved one has passed away. Let's look at some common reasons for challenges.

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What Are the Risks of Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney?

Filing for bankruptcy can be difficult, especially if you try to file without an attorney. Meet with our lawyers before you go it alone.

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Can an Executor Be Removed for Misconduct?

There are many good reasons to remove an executor for misconduct. Here's a look at some of the most common transgressions.

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What Is Probate Litigation, and When Is It Necessary?

Probate litigation can occur when there are disagreements about someone's estate. A proper estate plan may make these lawsuits less likely.

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Are There Requirements For Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Not everyone can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our lawyers can tell you more about the specific requirements.

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What Should I Put In My Estate Plan If I Own A Business?

If you own a business, its assets and its goals should be addressed in your estate plan. Our lawyers can help you with that.

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Can Anyone File For Bankruptcy?

Just about anyone can file for bankruptcy, but certain types of bankruptcy have their own specific requirements.

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How Do I Choose the Right Trustee for My Trust?

Choosing the right trustee is tough, but our estate planning lawyers can tell you what kinds of qualities to look for in a candidate.

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Can I Lower My Mortgage Payments With Bankruptcy?

It is possible to lower your mortgage payments through bankruptcy, but you should ask a lawyer before doing anything drastic.

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How Do I Handle Personal Property In My Estate Plan?

You can account for personal property and pass down items to your loved ones as a part of your estate plan. Our lawyers can…

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How Can I Remove Bankruptcy From a Credit Report?

You cannot remove a bankruptcy from a credit report, so it's important to know just how this filing will affect you.

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How Do I Include My Stepchildren In My Estate Plan?

You can leave your stepchildren assets when you make a will and an estate plan. Our lawyers can help you with that.

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Will Bankruptcy Affect My Ability To Get a Job?

If you have a bankruptcy filing on your record and you're worried that it will affect your job prospects, we have some good news.

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Can I Disinherit Someone?

If you want to disinherit a beneficiary, you can. You just have to be sure that your plans align with state laws.

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What is a Reaffirmation Agreement in Bankruptcy?

When you file for bankruptcy the goal is to wipe out your debts, but a reaffirmation agreement allows you to keep paying one.

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How Do I Choose A Guardian For My Children?

Naming a guardian for your children is an important part of your estate plan. Do not let a judge make this decision for you.

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How Often Can I File For Bankruptcy?

You can file for bankruptcy multiple times, but there are some rules and waiting periods that you should be aware of.

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Do All Assets Go Through the Probate Process?

Most assets that you want to pass down have to go through the probate process when you die, but there are ways around this.

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How Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Wage garnishment can cause financial stress and other headaches, but you may have some ways of putting a stop to it.

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Is My Will Valid In Another State?

When you move to another state, it's a good idea to make sure that your will and estate plan follows the local rules.

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Who Should Have an Estate Plan?

If you are thinking about making an estate plan, our lawyers would be happy to tell you more about the benefits of having one.

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Is Bankruptcy Public Record?

When you file for bankruptcy, many of the details of your case can become public record. Here's what you should know before filing.

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Is An Estate Plan the Same As a Will?

An estate plan and a will are not the same thing, but our estate planning attorneys can help you make both of them.

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What is a Joint Will?

A joint will offers some benefits, but it's important to ensure that it's the right fit for you, your family, and your estate.

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How Long Is a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan?

A Chapter 13 repayment plan can last years, but how many years your plan lasts can vary based on a few different factors.

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Can a Special Needs Trust Be Revocable?

When setting up a special needs trust, do you make it revocable or irrevocable? Our estate planning lawyers can answer questions like that.

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Will Bankruptcy’s Automatic Stay Stop Wage Garnishments?

If your paycheck is being reduced by wage garnishments, bankruptcy filing and an automatic stay might be able to stop that.

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What Are the Important Trust Mistakes to Avoid?

If you are going to set up a trust of your own, here's our list of common mistakes to avoid during this process.

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Will an Automatic Stay Stop Utility Shutoffs?

Filing for bankruptcy could stop utility shutoffs, but you still need to act to address past debts and future payments.

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What Do I Need to Know About Estate Planning & Dementia?

If you are worried about being incapacitated by dementia or another disease, our lawyers can help you with your estate plan right now.

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Can I File For Bankruptcy If I Have a Pending Lawsuit?

A bankruptcy filing can put a stop to a pending lawsuit, but not all legal actions can be stopped or paused in this manner.

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Is There a Limit to How Long a Trust Fund Can Be Maintained?

A trust fund is not meant to last forever. Learn about the limitations of these funds and when some trusts can buck the rules.

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Can Filing for Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure?

Filing for bankruptcy can help you stop a foreclosure in certain situations, but you should talk to a lawyer about your options first.

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Who Can Use an Irrevocable Trust?

An irrevocable trust can be a great way to stow away assets and pass them along to your friends and loved ones.

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Does Bankruptcy Clear Tax Debt?

The bankruptcy process may be able to help you clear some tax debt, but there are some things that you should know before filing.

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What Are the Responsibilities of a Trustee?

A trustee has many important responsibilities. Picking the right person to manage a trust can be a tough decision as a result.

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Is an Inherited IRA Protected From Creditors?

An inherited IRA can lose some of the protections given to retirement funds when it is passed down. Here's how to plan for that.

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How Long Does It Take For A Bankruptcy Filing To Be Completed?

The bankruptcy filing process can take a while, but it can go smoother when you have an experienced lawyer on your side.

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What Are Some Mistakes Trustees Need to Avoid?

Trustees have responsibilities and obligations to meet, and making any of these mistakes could land them in hot water.

What is a 341 Meeting of Creditors?

When you file for bankruptcy you must go to a 341 meeting of creditors. Here's what you should expect when you attend.

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How Can I Rebuild My Credit After Bankruptcy?

It is possible to rebuild your credit and become financially stable after going through the bankruptcy process.

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How Many Witnesses Are Required for a Valid Will Execution?

If you want your will to be legally valid in NY, you're going to need witnesses. Here's what you need to know about this…

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What Happens If I Miss a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Payment?

You have an obligation to make every bankruptcy payment on time. If you think you're going to miss one, this is what you need…

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How Do I Appoint An Executor to My Estate?

Your estate planning lawyer can help you pick the right executor when you work together on your will and other important documents.

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What Are the Benefits Of Revocable Living Trusts?

Revocable living trusts can help people track their assets, pick beneficiaries, and retain control of their finances for as long as possible.

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What Are The Steps For Filing For Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a time-consuming and paperwork-intensive process. Here's what you need to know before filing.

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How Do I Choose a Successor Trustee?

A successor trustee has an important job to do, so it's important that you make the right choice while you are competent.

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Can Bankruptcy Discharge Alimony Obligations?

If you are struggling to pay off debts and deal with other financial obligations, you may be wondering if filing for bankruptcy is your…

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Can I Write My Own Will?

If you do a quick search online, you may find plenty of guides or “kits” that help you make a will. We do not…

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How Can I Protect My Estate From Creditors?

If you have assets that you want to leave behind for your loved ones, you need to be sure that your estate is properly…

What Is the Role of Credit Counseling in Bankruptcy?

When you are preparing to file for bankruptcy, it’s important to determine whether or not this is the right option for you. It’s a…

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What Information Should Be Included in a Will?

If you are unsure of where to start when making a will, our estate planning lawyers are ready to assist you. We help our…

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Does Bankruptcy Erase All My Debts?

In many cases, bankruptcy will not erase every debt that you have. That does not mean that you do not have something to gain…

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Should I Update My Estate Plan If I Move to a New State?

There’s a lot to keep track of when you move to another state, and one thing that should not fall through the cracks is…

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Can I Get a Credit Card After Bankruptcy?

Going through bankruptcy can give you the chance to rebuild your finances and your credit. So it makes sense that you would be able…

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What Is a QTIP Trust and Who Should Consider One?

Depending on how much you have in assets and how you want your assets to be passed down after you die, a trust could…

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Can I Get a Loan Modification While in Bankruptcy?

If you are going through the bankruptcy process, you may be wondering if there are any other ways that you can reduce your financial…

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Can I Create a Digital Estate Plan for My Business?

You may already realize that you need an estate plan for yourself and your business assets, but are you also ready to make a…

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Is A Mortgage Secured Or Unsecured Debt?

If you are thinking about going through the bankruptcy process, you are probably taking a closer look at what kind of debt you have…

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What is a Healthcare Proxy and What Do They Do?

Simply put, a healthcare proxy is someone who you empower to make healthcare decisions for you if you are incapacitated. You need to fill…

man showing empty pockets

When Should I Consider Declaring Bankruptcy?

Declaring bankruptcy is a big decision, so it’s a good idea to make sure that this is really the right path forward for you.…

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How Can Estate Planning Reduce Estate Taxes?

When you are making an estate plan, you probably want to make sure that you are leaving assets behind for your beneficiaries. You don’t…

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Are Medical Bills Dischargeable in Bankruptcy?

If you are facing piles of debt and it just seems like you will never be able to escape, bankruptcy might be the way…

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What Happens If I Die Without an Estate Plan?

Dying without an estate plan can cause a lot of stress for your family. If you had some ideas about how you would pass…

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Can Bankruptcy Affect My Ability to Rent an Apartment?

It is always important to carefully weigh your options before you decide to go into bankruptcy. While this process can be a great way…

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What Are the Benefits of Having an Estate Plan?

There are many benefits to setting up an estate plan before you pass away, but so many people still put it off or fail…

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Can I Keep My Tax Refund If I File For Bankruptcy?

When you file for bankruptcy, you understand that most of your assets have to go toward paying off your debt. What about a tax…

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What Should a Business Owner Include In Their Estate Plan?

Establishing an estate plan should be a top priority for everyone, but one is especially important for a business owner. Your estate plan does…

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How Can I Protect My Minor Children Through Estate Planning?

An estate planning lawyer can help you figure out the best way to care for and leave financial resources behind for your minor children.

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How Can I Make Changes to a Will?

If you need to make changes to a will for whatever reason, that is your right. Our estate planning lawyers can help you do…

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Broadening HARP to Reach More Borrowers

The Senate Banking Committee convened a hearing in an effort to make Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) a more effective and accessible option for…

How Can I Make Sure My New York Property is Passed Onto My Children?

When people create an estate plan, they often wish to include properties they own to be passed on to loved ones. This can include…

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