David A. Holstein
October 14, 2026
Few estate planning tools are more widely recommended — or more widely misunderstood — than the revocable living trust. Clients often arrive convinced that a trust will save taxes, shield assets from creditors, or protect them if they ever need nursing home care. A revocable trust does none of those things. What it does do,
Read More »David A. Holstein
September 29, 2026
New York taxes estates at a comparatively low threshold but — like nearly every other estate tax state — imposes no gift tax. For married couples with taxable estates, that single feature of the law creates one of the most powerful planning opportunities available — and the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust, or SLAT, is among
Read More »Kyung Jin Kim
September 09, 2026
The stress of losing a loved one is overwhelming, which is further complicated when you discover you are the named executor. Many people accept the role without fully understanding what it entails. Being an executor in New York is a legal position with real deadlines, real liability, and real consequences for making a mistake. The
Read More »Alicia Madden
August 31, 2026
Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce Alicia M. Madden was named a recipient of the 40 Under Forty Central New York awards. About the AwardsThe 40 Under 40 Awards celebrate 40 outstanding young professionals who are making an impact through their careers, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Each year, the awards recognize individuals under the
Read More »August 20, 2026
Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce that 10 of its attorneys have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027. The firm's recognized attorneys span nine practice areas and two locations. Widely regarded as one of the legal profession’s most respected peer-review publications, Best Lawyers has recognized exceptional attorneys since its inaugural edition
Read More »Tania S. Anderson
July 24, 2026
July 26, 2026, marks the 36th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. About the Americans with Disabilities Act July 26 marks the 36th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. This landmark civil rights legislation improves the lives of all Americans, not just people
Read More »David A. Holstein
July 15, 2026
A Client Guide to Maximizing the New York Estate Tax Exemption and Avoiding the "Cliff" 1. New York's Estate Tax Works Differently Unlike the federal system, New York does not allow portability of the estate tax exemption between spouses. This means that when the first spouse dies, any portion of that spouse’s New York Basic Exclusion Amount ("BEA") that is unused is lost forever.
Read More »Bridget E. Tonn
June 18, 2026
As we recognize LGBTQ+ Pride Month, it is important to reflect not only on progress, but also on the legal uncertainties that may lie ahead. For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, estate planning remains one of the most effective tools to ensure that personal relationships, financial interests, and healthcare decisions are respected regardless of future shifts
Read More »Bridget E. Tonn
June 03, 2026
Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce Bridget E. Tonn has joined the firm's Trusts & Estates Practice Group in our Syracuse office. Tonn joins the firm as an Associate and will focus her practice on estate planning, probate, and family-related matters. She has experience drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and premarital
Read More »Catherine Ray Mannion
August 05, 2025
In this article: The difference between a Guardian and Trustee Things to consider when designating these roles How to designate Guardians and Trustees The role of an attorney in the process Conclusion As parents, one of the most essential parts of your estate plan is ensuring your minor children are appropriately cared for following your
Read More »David A. Holstein
October 24, 2024
In this article: What is estate planning? What is the difference between a will, a trust, and an estate? When do I need to a will? What is an asset, and which assets pass at death by will? Where do I start? Conclusion Planning for the future can be daunting, especially when planning for your
Read More »Jean S. Everett, Erika H. Hooker
April 29, 2024
Table of Contents: Reporting Companies Large Operating Company Exemption Beneficial Owners Required Information to Report Due Date What If Information Changes? Penalties for Violations How to Report More Information Getting Started Contact an Attorney Effective January 1, 2024, many existing corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and similar entities became subject to Federal requirements to report
Read More »Georgia G. Crinnin, Kimberly N. Rothman
September 13, 2021
On June 13, 2021, a new version of the New York Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney went into effect. Powers of Attorney signed before this date that complied with the earlier law continue to be valid. However, any Power of Attorney signed after June 13th must comply with the new requirements, as outlined below.
Read More »Aaron D. Frishman
March 31, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the New York State Department of Health issued statewide directives on March 21, 2020 to counties across the state as to how they should be addressing certain situations specifically with respect to Medicaid eligibility and enrollment. To be more specific, the Department of Health issued guidance in the
Read More »Aaron D. Frishman
December 21, 2016
On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, President Obama signed H.R. 34, named the 21st Century Cures Act, into law. Embedded in this legislation is the culmination of many years of work by Elder Law attorneys across the country to effectively amend the federal statute allowing for the establishment of self-settled special needs trusts for disabled individuals
Read More »David A. Holstein
August 10, 2016
The U.S. Treasury recently issued proposed regulations under Section 2704 of the Internal Revenue Code that severely limit the use of valuation discounts for transfers of limited liability company ("LLC"), partnership and corporate ownership interests among family members. If finalized as proposed, the regulations will negatively impact popular estate planning strategies, such as the gifting
Read More »Steve Paquette
Starting a new life often means making changes to important planning documents. What made sense for a couple fully invested in a marriage may not make sense during the divorcing process, or after the divorce is finalized. In litigated matters, Restraining Orders may prevent some changes during the process, but others are allowed. After divorce, you are
Read More »Aidan Mitchell-Eaton, Julia J. Martin, Sharon A. McAuliffe, Virginia A. Hoveman, Laurence G. Bousquet, David A. Holstein, Emilee K. Lawson Hatch
June 24, 2014
Effective April 1, 2014, New York's rules have changed for estate and gift tax. We have summarized the changes and their potential impact on your estate plan. Click on the document link above to review our full report.
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