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In the complex world of Trusts and Estates litigation in New York, one of the most challenging issues that families face is the abuse of a Power of Attorney (POA). When entrusted individuals misuse their authority, it can jeopardize an inheritance, disrupt family harmony, and create costly, prolonged legal battles. As Alan Vaitzman Esq., a…

As a New York resident owning assets beyond U.S. borders, you face unique challenges in protecting your wealth for future generations. International estate planning is a complex, multifaceted discipline that demands a detailed understanding of New York’s laws and foreign legal systems. I am Alan Vaitzman Esq., a seasoned trust and estates litigator with New…

In the complex landscape of New York estate litigation, the role of the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is pivotal in protecting the interests of vulnerable parties during Surrogate’s Court proceedings. As an experienced litigator in Trust and Estates disputes, I, Alan Vaitzman Esq., have witnessed firsthand how the GAL serves as an essential beacon of…

When a loved one passes away leaving behind real estate, disputes over that property can complicate an already emotional and stressful time. In New York, contested estates involving real property often require specialized litigation strategies to resolve ownership conflicts — a situation where partition actions become a crucial legal tool. As a seasoned Trust &…

When a loved one passes away, disputes over their estate can become emotionally charged and legally complex—especially when allegations of will forgery and fraud arise. In New York, where estate laws under the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) and relevant case law create a detailed framework, understanding how to identify, challenge, and litigate claims of…

In the complex world of Trust and Estates litigation in New York, one of the most critical tools for beneficiaries and interested parties to ensure fiduciaries are fulfilling their duties is the accounting proceeding. These proceedings compel fiduciaries—executors, trustees, administrators—to provide a detailed, transparent accounting of their management of estate or trust assets. As a…

As one of New York’s leading Trust & Estates litigators, I, Alan Vaitzman Esq., understand how daunting the legal maze of the Surrogate’s Court can be for individuals without legal training. The Scinter Cell Structure Act (SCPA) is a critical but often misunderstood statute that governs many aspects of estate administration and trust litigation in…

In the complex world of estate administration and trust management, the role of an executor or trustee is both critical and demanding. These fiduciaries are entrusted with significant responsibilities to act in the best interests of beneficiaries and to manage assets prudently and transparently. However, when an executor or trustee breaches their fiduciary duty, beneficiaries…

When a loved one passes away, the final wishes they expressed in their will are expected to guide the distribution of their estate. However, what happens if those wishes were not truly their own? Undue influence is a critical issue in New York estate litigation that can undermine the validity of a will and alter…

As a seasoned Trust and Estates litigator practicing in New York, I, Alan Vaitzman Esq., have witnessed the complex and often emotional disputes that arise when a loved one’s testamentary capacity is questioned. Understanding when a person is not considered “of sound mind” to execute a valid will is critical to ensuring that a decedent’s…