Practice Areas
Wills
A Last Will and Testament is a critical component of your estate plan. This legal document reflects your wishes as to the distribution of your assets upon your passing. It informs your nominated Executor(s) of the manner in which your estate is to be distributed to your chosen beneficiaries. A Will must meet statutory requirements of due execution to be admissible for probate in the New York Surrogate’s Courts. However, the first step is to discuss your goals, interests, and options with Kerry Dinneen. Ms. Dinneen will collaborate with you to ensure your assets are protected and preserved for those in your life whom you wish to benefit from your legacy, whether family members, chosen family, or charitable institutions for which you wish to make a difference.
Trusts
A Trust may be a critical component of your estate plan. Apart from the benefit of precluding probate, which proceeding can be time consuming and expensive, certain Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts may offer protection from New York estate tax and Medicaid liens. The type of Trust that best protects and preserves your assets depends on your particular circumstances. Whatever trust instruments may be best suited to your goals and interests, meeting with Kerry Dinneen will provide an opportunity to discuss how creating a Trust may be beneficial to you and your loved ones.
Estate Planning
Your estate planning should be tackled by an experienced attorney who not only has the skill to draft documents in service of your best interests, but who carefully listens and comprehends your goals, interests, and concerns. Family dynamics can be challenging and addressing related issues at the beginning of the process often precludes stress and conflict for your family and loved ones when your estate is administered. Schedule a meeting with Kerry Dinneen as the first step in achieving peace of mind with properly drafted and executed documents reflecting your wishes.
Trusts and Estate Litigation
Despite best efforts to carefully plan for the distribution of assets to protect your heirs and beneficiaries, by nature of the emotion that accompanies loss and expectations some may have as to their beneficial interests in your estate, will challenges can and do arise. A last will and testament may be challenged on the bases of incapacity, fraud, or undue influence. Further, fiduciaries may find themselves challenged by allegations of malfeasance and breaches of fiduciary duty and subject to a surcharge. Kerry Dinneen is an experienced fiduciary and private client attorney. Contact Kerry to discuss your litigation needs and avenues of resolution.
Appellate Practice
The Appellate process presents its own unique challenges and nuances. While it provides an aggrieved party with the opportunity to have an order from a lower court reviewed on appeal, the Appellate Courts are limited in their review to those issues preserved for appeal, limited exceptions aside. If you are considering an appeal, or find yourself in the position of defending an appeal, Kerry Dinneen has experience in appellate advocacy, practice, and procedure. Contact Kerry to discuss how she may help you succeed before the New York Appellate Courts.
Power of Attorney, Living Will, Health Care Proxy
Consideration of your assets and estate tax issues may be primary to your estate planning, but a Power of Attorney and Living Will and Health Care Proxy are also critical component’s of a strong plan. A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint an agent with authority to manage your affairs. The Power of Attorney may be used at any time, before or after an illness or incapacity. In contrast, a Living Will and Health Care Proxy are used at a time when you are no longer able to make health care decisions for yourself. The individuals you choose for these roles bear great responsibility, and your wishes should be made known to them. Contact Kerry Dinneen to guide you through these crucial and documents.