Getting organized: Questions to ask when starting your estate planning - Littman Krooks LLP

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Getting organized: Questions to ask when starting your estate planning

Published December 17, 2008

A good estate plan contains many different elements, and as a result it is important to take an organized approach to starting the process. Answering some basic questions can help get your estate planning moving smoothly:

• Who is going to take care of your loved ones and minor children?
• Will your loved ones be financial stable?
• What is the value of your assets and who do you want to receive them?
• Who should manage your assets during your lifetime if you cannot?
• Who will make your health care decisions if you cannot speak for yourself?
• Do you have any final wishes for your funeral arrangements?
• Who will be your voice in executing your will and other directives?

Answering all of these questions will help you and your lawyer start getting the proper estate planning documents into place.

To learn more about New York Estate Planning, visit LittmanKrooks.com.

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I have turned to Littman Krooks three times over the past twelve years and in each case they have provided valuable assistance. They provide prompt and thoughtful council and are a good value considering their deep expertise.

Kyra C.

10/13/2024

The team at Littman Krooks was excellent in every way. My attorney, Nicholas Khayumov, was professional, extremely knowledgeable, and compassionate. Nick exceeded my expectations and was a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Littman Krooks to anyone in need of legal assistance for Estate Planning/Elder Law. I would certainly retain them again should the need arise. OUTSTANDING.

A J.

8/21/2024

When I sold my house, owned by my irrevocable trust, my accountant said I would have to pay tens of thousands in taxes. The Littman Krooks lawyer I saw was both extremely thorough and very personable. He wrote a masterful letter to my accountant who passed it on to her legal office which then agreed with the Littman Krooks lawyer. The IRS accepted the filing, saving me tens of thousands of dollars.

nigel b.

8/14/2024

Joel Krooks and his staff delivered exceptional service and achieved excellent results for my case. I’m highly satisfied with their professionalism and would recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance!

Mike W.

8/07/2024

Littman Krooks LLP and specifically Joel Krooks, has provided the ultimate legal professional services to my family. I have a special needs daughter who is 37 years old. Additionally, my wife, who due to health issues, has been largely confined to bed for years. Littman Krooks succeeded in obtaining Medicaid coverage for both my daughter and my wife. This has enabled my daughter to obtain an OPWDD Self Direction budget which has been enormously helpful in allowing her to live semi-independently for the first time. Getting my wife Medicaid coverage has allowed her to receive the services of a wonderful health aid. This has given me some space, for the first time in years, for myself away from being a full time caregiver. Joel Krooks also worked with us to create an estate plan carefully crafted to our individual circumstances that is critical to our future. He did all of this with friendly, personal and empathic attention to details. Littman Krooks' and Joel's expertise in special needs issues and services in New York State and the relevant law is unmatched in the legal profession and has proven invaluable to my family. I highly recommend using their services. Thank you, Littman Krooks! We greatly value being your clients and thank you for all that you have done for us. Sincerely, Stephen Heyman

Stephen H.

4/28/2024

I cannot rave enough about working with Brian Miller and the team at Littman and Krooks. They honestly made me feel like family. The soft, non pushy approach and knowledge of their subject area is not only comforting, but reassuring. I even recommend them to my daughter-in-law and son! Now that’s confidence!

jane r.

2/01/2024

I have worked with Littman Krooks for over 25 years - specifically with Amy O'Hara. I cannot say enough about the high quality of Amy's professional work. But there is more to estate planning than high quality products. Working with Amy, I never felt rushed. I felt listened to and that my concerns, wonders, and what if...questions were valued and considered. Amy took the time to know me, my family and to keep our individual situation in mind as she worked to create a plan for our future as well as one which meets the needs of our children. As the parent of a child with a disability, the worry of how that child will be cared for is always present. The plan that Amy created, put to rest a large portion of that worry. Amy has always generously offered thoughtful, professional advice on a number of tangential situations. While we initially met with Amy to plan for the special needs of our daughter, over the years, as my husband and I have aged, we needed advice specific to our situation. Amy was our go to person and she created and executed the documents we needed to be sure all was in place. I never hesitate to call and Amy is always timely in getting back to me. I count on her. She is on my side in a professional and personal way that are the essential components for a successful estate plan.

bj c.

8/28/2023

If you are looking for a professional, smart, knowledgeable, caring, efficient, and effective legal team to help with Estate and Elder care Law, I would heartily recommend Littman Krooks. I have used several other firms in the past for issues pertaining to Elder Care and Estate Planning and have not previously found the high level of service and care that I have at Littman Krooks. This firm resolved a rather complicated issue with an outcome that surpassed my expectations, and even hopes. The process was seamless with promptly returned phone calls and emails, excellent communication and fair pricing. I worked specifically with Bernie Krooks and Laura Brancato.

Roselle M.

10/23/2021

After the passing of our Dad in January, we had an unfortunate situation with another sibling. The event took us completely by surprise and we barely had time to obtain legal help. Laura Brancato with Littman Krooks LLP was referred to us. Not only did Laura accommodate us, but within 24 hours, was able to prepare all necessary details to present our case. The stress was indescribable.I cannot say enough about Laura's professionalism, integrity and communication skills. Without a doubt, Laura worked tirelessly on our behalf to represent us in an extremely critical hearing.Laura's legal expertise was above and beyond our expectations. She showed genuine care, concern and calm when we were at our lowest.We will be forever grateful and appreciative to Laura and Littman Krooks LLP for representing us and gaining a successful conclusion in our favor.

AM R.

10/23/2021

I highly recommend Littman Krooks for all of your child's educational needs. Arshi Pal and Nicole Garcia have worked with both of my children on three impartial hearings and annual IEP meetings over several years. They are an amazing team who follow through from the beginning of the process until your child receives everything that they need to succeed. In addition, they follow-up to ensure that services are being implemented and are effective. They are available to answer questions and guide you throughout. You will not wait a week for a call back. I would describe Arshi and Nicole as attentive, caring, responsive, reliable, available and strong advocates. I couldn't ask for a better team!

Rochellie R.

10/23/2021

Littman Krooks has an excellent reputation, yet my high expectations were exceeded when I became Marion Walsh's (of LK's) client. My son, "Rhys" [not his real name], was a student in a (solid) Special Education school, from which he was due to graduate in three years, when I met Marion. My research had led me to conclude that a particular Special Ed high school would be the condign one for Rhys, and I wanted to do all I could to make sure that's where he ended up. Although this high school is on the NYS "Approved List" -- meaning it is private, but Special Ed students can be placed there -- it is highly desirable and admissions are competitive; I wanted an attorney to shepherd us through the Admissions process. I contacted LK and met with someone at the firm in NYC. That attorney arranged with me to meet Marion Walsh at her office in LK's White Plains office because Marion is especially familiar with the school I wanted for my son, in addition to being experienced with every aspect of the annual IEP process, which is crucial when it comes to next-school placement. I met with Marion Walsh, who outlined what we would need to do over the next two years to give Rhys the best shot at the school I wanted for him, as well as to ensure that he be given appealing options besides that school. From that point on, Marion and her team, including Sandi Rosenbaum, were involved in Rhy's IEP meetings, making sure that these evaluations and final reports, which prospective schools would consider carefully, reflected the best view possible of Rhys's progress. Marion deftly worked as an intermediary among me, Rhys's school, and the Committee on Special Education. She pushed for having Rhys's classification changed from "Emotionally Disturbed" to "Other", and made sure his IEP cited the strong evidence that justified that change. THAT was a key reason that Rhys was accepted at the school I had hoped he would attend...where he now is a student and is thriving! During the two years I worked with Marion and her team, including Sandi Rosenbaum, they were consistently responsive -- routine emails or calls from me would get at least a quick acknowledgment within a few hours; in urgent situations, within 30 minutes -- thorough, sympathetic, and highly professional. Because we had several important meetings with the school and CSE during Covid, and those had to be Zoom calls, the meetings were particularly challenging to control - yet Marion managed to guide these meetings assertively, making essential points and being a champion for my son. I highly recommend Marion Walsh and I intend to work with her again when I next have a decision to make about Rhys's education or training options, or should any problem arise. She's a superior attorney with a first-rate team.

MEMcC

7/23/2021

Very detailed conversation! Highly recommend! Gives great advice! Help with your issue!

Nalini P.

5/23/2021

I have worked closely with Bernie Krooks, Mitchell Littman, Amy O'Hara and somewhat with Stephanie Goldstein. All are high quality lawyers with a strong work ethic, putting the client first and a long-view of what it means to be a good lawyer. As a lawyer and as a client, I am a big fan.

Scottness M.

2/23/2021

8 years ago, 2012 I hired Littman Krooks for my Mom's elder care needs. He set up a trust, taught me how to manage it so as to protect her savings, and recieve assitance for her long term care needs. The investment in the firm's services resulted in protecting her assets and approval for government assistnce. When you need an attorney for senior care, pick an elder attorney. When you want the best attorney, Littman Krooks comes to mind.

David P.

11/23/2020

Bernie Krooks and the team at Littman Krooks resolved a complex estate matter quickly and efficiently. They handled this matter with professionalism, compassion, and were always responsive. We are extremely satisfied with the results of working with Bernie and his team. Without any reservations, we highly recommend Littman Krooks.

Melissa A.

11/23/2020

My experience with Littman Krooks llp has been amazing. My Attorney Mrs. Pal, the secretaries the entire team work closely together and are invested 100% in obtaining what there clients need. I was always treated with complete respect and importantly they always made sure that all my messages were taken and received by my Attorney.Mrs. Pal and her team do not miss any details they are on top of everything.My attorney Mrs.Pal is an exceptional attorney who is dedicated to helping her clients obtain what they need. I am truely greatful for all they have done for my kids.

E V.

11/23/2020

I hired Littman and Krooks handle both my impartial hearings against the DOE and I have to say that I was impressed. Arshi Pal and Nicole Garcia were amazing. They never lost their patience with me and walked me through every single step. They fought hard and were instrumental to getting my son all the services he is entitled to. I will forever be grateful to Arshi, Nicole and Littman Krooks.

Betsy L.

11/23/2020

I saved a small fortune by obtaining the services of Littman Krooks. They walked me through the maize of health care options for my mother. while giving me the tools to protect her assets through the creation of a trust. Their staff is knowledgeable and available for consultations so that elder care management was greatly simplified. thank you

David P.

11/23/2020

I was referred to Bernie Krooks for a very important matter that was extremely complex and involved sensitive personal issues. Bernie and his team resolved the matter in a timely and efficient manner.We are extremely satisfied with the results. The entire Littman Krooks team was always very responsive to our needs and addressed them in a professional and compassionate way. It is our pleasure to recommend Littman Krooks without reservation.

Melissa A.

11/23/2020

The Littman and Krooks staff are courteous, professional and fully anticipated my family’s legal needs. I highly recommend Littman and Krooks!

Steve L.

11/23/2020

I had an excellent consultation experience with them over the phone. It was different than others I had approached. I also enjoy the emails that have great information.

Alex T.

11/23/2019

our family relied on the calm caring expertise of the Littman Krooks staff and attorneys to guide us through a difficult time. I have recommend the firm wholeheartedly to other families and will definitely use them again should the need arise.

Peluso F.

11/23/2019

We are very pleased with the attention to detail that both Marion W and Erica F, our attorneys, provided. That attention is what ultimately led to our positive outcome. The Littman Krooks team, especially Marion and Erica took a difficult situation and made it easier. If you are in need of, knowledgeable, professional attorneys- look no further.

mark n.

11/23/2018

Six years of home instruction and unsuccessful attempts by two priorlaw firms to help with my child's case with the DOE, left him in despair--but now he's THRIVING!...No words are adequate enough to express gratitude to Marion Walsh, a true miracle worker, whose advocacy transformed my child's life.Geraldine P.

geraldine p.

11/23/2018

I originally came to Littman Krooks on another matter. It was quickly brought to my attention that their were other concerns that could be and needed to be addressed with my son. My situation was quickly acted on and handled efficiently and with better success then I even anticipated. The entire staff I had dealings with were personable, caring and knowledgeable. I never had to wait for any questions or concerns regarding the matter in which they were representing me. I would highly recommend Littman Krooks.

michelle h.

7/19/2018

Six years of home instruction and unsuccessful attempts by two prior
law firms to help with my child's case with the DOE, left him in despair--
but now he's THRIVING!...No words are adequate enough to express gratitude to Marion Walsh, a true miracle worker, whose advocacy transformed my child's life.

Geraldine P.

geraldine p.

6/14/2018

A great firm to work with. I have worked with many of the lawyers at this firm on Supplemental Needs Trusts and Estates for families with disabled relatives. Outstanding!

Lee A.

11/23/2017

Very knowledgeable and professional. They worked extremely well with our Estates lawyer to provide a comprehensive plan.

Marc C.

11/23/2017

The professionals at Littman Krooks are top notch, smart, attentive, and effective. Our case against the school district for our daughter was resolved in a positive outcome within weeks. I would highly recommend Marion Walsh for all of your most complicated situations. She has great experience and knows the law!!!!

Tristi N.

11/23/2017

Amy O'Hara, Esq, and her support team were first rate in addressing our estate planning needs. They are experts in the field, skilled and quite professional. They were very helpful to us. .

Timothy B.

11/23/2017