WILLS
A Last Will and Testament decides where your assets go after you pass away. Without a Will in place, your estate (everything you own) will pass according to New York State law, rather than by your own plan. By executing a Will, you ensure that your ultimate plan is followed and your possessions pass the way you desire.
TRUSTS
A Trust is a legal entity that can hold your property (i.e., bank account, annuities, or even your house) as an investment vehicle, or to pass on ownership as part of an overall estate plan. A Trust can be either revocable or irrevocable, and the decision between those choices depends on your personal circumstances and plan. An appointed Trustee will be in charge of the funds and can invest and reinvest the monies in an appropriate manner to maximize the growth of the Trust. Upon the closing of the Trust, you can provide for where the property will go, and how it shall pass, just like a Will.
PROBATE AND ESTATES
Losing a loved one is always a difficult time. We understand this and are here to help you through the probate process. Whether the deceased person had a Will or not, there will likely be property that must be passed to beneficiaries. We will help you through the Surrogate’s Court process from the initial filing to the final accounting to ensure that the process moves smoothly and efficiently.
ESTATE PLANNING
No two estate plans are similar. Depending on your long-term plans, age, health, financial and/or employment status, location of next of kin, and many other factors, your estate plan may differ significantly from another client’s. We will consult with you to learn thoroughly about your current situation in order to best assess the proper steps to take to accomplish your personal goals, whether you want to conserve assets or plan for Medicaid.
MEDICAID PLANNING
With the government’s strict regulations on Medicaid, planning for Medicaid is a very complex issue. It is always possible to make a gift within Medicaid’s five-year look back period, even if in a Nursing Home. However, any gifts made within the five-year look back period, you will be responsible for a spend-down penalty. We can assist with creating a structure and plan to preserve and protect your assets for yourself and your family for the future.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
When the unthinkable occurs, we will defend your rights with regards to: felony offenses, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI offenses, and vehicle and traffic infractions and violations.
ELDER LAW
Every client wants to stay in their own house as long as possible, and we will do everything we can to ensure that you do just that. But, if circumstances arise where you may have to move to an assisted living facility or a nursing home, we will help you to plan your move, both physically and financially.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
If you are buying or selling a house, you will need legal representation. The paperwork that is used in real estate transactions can be complicated and confusing, and there are many steps that must be taken by both sellers and buyers before a house sale can be closed. We will walk you through the process from day one and make sure you understand what is happening with your sale each step of the way.
BUSINESS MATTERS
We can assist you with any business legal matters, including negotiating the sale or purchase of your business; business succession; the negotiating and drafting of contracts and agreements; and assisting in the formation of a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”), Partnership, or Corporation. Additionally, the attorneys with our firm have experience in representing a Corporation as its Corporate Counsel.
OTHER LEGAL MATTERS
The attorneys at Andrew Hilton Attorneys have decades of experience in a variety of legal matters. If you have a question about any other situation that may arise in your life, do not hesitate to contact our office so that we can assist you.