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Beneficiary Designations

Who Should be Your Beneficiary Designations?

Proper beneficiary designations are very important when planning your estate. A Will or Trust document should state clearly and precisely the identity of all primary and secondary beneficiaries. Problems arise when these descriptions are unclear or confusing, particularly where document provisions provide for alternate beneficiaries in the event of certain contingencies. Triggering events and beneficiary identities need to be spelled out. A New York City beneficiary lawyer can help you with these matters.

Confusion or misinterpretation of beneficiaries and the interests they are to receive can result in Court delays, added expenses and the possibility that the intention of the testator or trust grantor may not be fulfilled.

When there is an issue regarding the interpretation of language in a Last Will or trust, the Surrogate's Court procedures provide for a construction of the document.  Construing ambiguous parts of a Will or trust can occur in a separate construction proceeding or may take place as part of the fiduciary's account settlement.  New York City lawyers are familiar with accounting proceedings.  These proceedings provide a means by which all interested parties can review the activities of the fiduciary and disputes regarding the interpretation of language can be resolved.

It is also important from time to time to review the persons you name to receive your assets.  Many documents such as Wills and Trusts may have been prepared years ago and the exact provisions are soon forgotten.  It may be that some of the persons designated have died or have become incapacitated so that a Will provision directing that they receive a bequest would be inappropriate.  Also changes in life occurrences may affect the appropriateness of certain bequests.   A testator may no longer have a friendship with a person named in Will that was prepared say 20 years ago and now wants to eliminate the provision.   On the other hand, there may be individuals or charities that you want to add to a Will.   Also, a beneficiary such as a parent may be an inappropriate recipient since receiving extra assets may adversely effect the parent's estate plan by incurring additional estate or income taxes.  An estate attorney, like those in other counties, can assist you with recognizing the potential issues involved in the beneficiary designation process.

If you need help with your Will and beneficiary designations, or are involved with a situation where there is a dispute or confusion over beneficiary designations, the advice and council of a New York City attorney can be a big help. Regardless of the size of an estate, most adults — young and old — and their families benefit greatly from having a well-prepared estate plan consisting of documents such as a: Last Will, Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney and Living Will.

I enjoy being successful on behalf of my clients. I'll work hard to help you resolve your legal issues successfully. I have assisted my clients with these matters and attempt to help them achieve their desired result.

I am available to answer your questions or address any concerns you may have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact me now at (212) 355-2575 or fill out my contact form for an appointment with a New York City lawyer.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I am very grateful to Mr. Jules Martin Haas attorney of law in New York. I am from Buenos Aires Argentina. He managed with expertise a very difficult situation. of a complicate heritage from my aunt Anna Grodzka that lived and died a very long time ago in New York. I recommend him not only for his extraordinary knowledge but also for his kindness. Irma CW Peusner
★★★★★
I found Mr. Haas after being misguided by a former attorney. Mr. Jules Haas took our case which involved an estate/trust dispute. What initially seemed like an impossible and overwhelming legal fight was now in the hands of someone who had the integrity and legal expertise to win our case. Mr Haas' attention to detail and his expert knowledge base, skillfully and successfully guided us through an intricate legal process. I am very thankful and grateful to Mr. Jules Haas for representing our interest and ultimately winning. Bringing about a peace of mind we needed. Thank You Devida Nedd
★★★★★
I was in need of a guardianship attorney and I hired the services of Jules M. Haas' Law firm. The service of counselor Haas and his staff, was very profesional and the case was handled in a timely matter. I would strongly recommend his services Angel Guevara
★★★★★
I strongly recommend Jules Haas. I have worked with him for two years and he has provided so much support and followed through with everything he promised he would do. His support staff is just as helpful! We had an interesting case and he helped to solve each part of it legally and was very thorough. Thank you for everything you have done to finalize our families estate Robyn Stafford
★★★★★
Jules Haas helped me with managing the process in probate court for my father's estate through to its completion upon the sale of my father's house. He was knowledgeable, efficient, and effective in submitting documentation to the probate court, explaining procedures to me, and advising me as to the progress of my case. His support staff was also very helpful. He made what for me created so much anxiety into something manageable where I could see progress every step of the way. His fees were very reasonable. I am super grateful to him for all the help he has provided and strongly recommend his services. Diana Janer
★★★★★
I just completed an estate transaction where Jules Haas represented my client in an estate and he did a great job! He was very quick at responding to all matters throughout the sale process, he was detailed, he was knowledgeable and he was a pleasure to work with. I just recommended him to some new clients who are going through an estate matter and will continue to recommend him. Rodolfo Lucchese