MCV Law News and Insights

  • How to Update a Will in New York State

    Can You Update a Will in New York State? What to Know About Revising Your Plan.

    Posted at: 1/3/2025 11:06 AM

    Yes, you can update a Will in New York State. Life changes often bring new priorities, and your Estate Planning documents should always reflect those priorities. Updating your Will ensures that your wishes are current and legally enforceable, which helps to protect your loved ones and assets. There are a number of occasions that commonly prompt people to revise their Wills. Significant life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child often necessitate updates to include new benefic

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  • Reading of a Will in New York State

    Is A Formal Reading of the Will Required By Law?

    Posted at: 1/3/2025 10:17 AM

    No, in New York State, a formal reading of a Will is not a legal requirement. Traditionally, a reading of the Will was done in front of family members and beneficiaries to ensure everyone understood the contents and to resolve any disputes. However, in modern times, this practice is no longer commonly followed. The practice has gone by the wayside along with powdered wigs and the Walkman. While the Will doesn’t have to be read aloud in a formal setting, it is important to understand that cert

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  • The First 4 Steps an Executor Should Take During the Estate Administration Process

    The First 4 Steps an Executor Should Take During the Estate Administration Process

    Posted at: 1/3/2025 10:13 AM

    Serving as an executor of an estate is both an honor and a serious responsibility. To effectively carry out this role, it’s important to approach the estate administration process methodically. Here are the first four steps to guide you through the initial stages. Take a Moment for YourselfWhen drafting their Will, people generally appoint a trusted loved one to serve as executor. If you were close to the individual who has passed away after leaving you in charge of administering their estate

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  • Syracuse, NY Estate Planning Services

    Why the Start of a New Year Is the Perfect Time for Estate Planning

    Posted at: 1/2/2025 9:12 AM

    The start of a new year is synonymous with fresh beginnings and thoughtful resolutions. As we reflect on the past and set goals for the future, there’s no better time to address one of life’s most essential responsibilities: Estate Planning. Estate Planning may not always be at the top of our resolution list, but it should be! Estate Planning plays a critical role in securing your legacy, protecting your loved ones, and preserving the assets you’ve worked so hard to build over your lifetime.

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  • Gary J. Valerino Takes Part in Common Council Committee Meeting

    Gary J. Valerino Takes Part in Syracuse Common Council Committee Meeting

    Posted at: 12/19/2024 11:00 AM

    “More litigation, more litigation, more litigation.” On December 11th, MCV Law Partner Gary J. Valerino participated in a committee meeting held by the City of Syracuse Common Council to examine the current status of Landlord-Tenant Law in the area and the potential implications of passing Good Cause Eviction Law, which is currently under consideration at the local level. Mr. Valerino noted that Landlord-Tenant Law in Syracuse is already complex, and cautioned that implementing Good Cause Ev

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