The Trust Dad Blog

Insights, tips, and guidance on estate planning, family protection, and legacy building.

• No One to Name as Trustee? Where to Begin — If you are unsure who could manage money in your trust after you die or if you become unable to manage it, you do not have to pause your estate planning. I explain how to understand a loved one’s hesitation, consider professional options, and build a workable backup arrangement. (2026-11-03, by Ian Herrick)
• Can I write my own will with ChatGPT or an online template? — ChatGPT can draft text that looks like a will, but New York will only accept it if it's signed the right way, and a draft can't tell you what it left out. For parents, what usually goes missing is the part that matters most: who raises the children, and who controls their money until they're old enough. (2026-10-27, by Ian Herrick)
• Estate planning for parents in New York City — The Trust Dad is a New York estate planning law firm built for parents. We write wills and revocable living trusts that name who raises your children and who manages their money, for a flat fee you know before we start. Meetings are by video or at our office in Lower Manhattan. (2026-10-27, by Ian Herrick)
• How much does a living trust cost in New York? — At The Trust Dad, estate plans are a flat fee. You'll see the total at your planning session, before you decide, and it doesn't change based on the number of hours we spend on your plan. (2026-10-27, by Ian Herrick)
• How do I name a guardian for my children in New York? — In New York you name a guardian for your children in writing, usually in your will. If you don't, a judge decides who raises them, choosing among relatives and friends who may disagree. A court still approves the person you name, but your written choice is what it starts from. (2026-10-27, by Ian Herrick)
• What happens to my children if I die without a will in New York? — If you die without a will in New York, state law decides who inherits, and if neither parent is living, a judge decides who raises your children. Money left to children under 18 is managed under court supervision and handed to them outright at 18. (2026-10-27, by Ian Herrick)
• Should Both Children Manage Your Trust? — Naming both children to manage your trust can feel fair, but sharing an inheritance is different from sharing responsibility. I explain how to weigh the work, family relationships, decision-making, backups, and support. (2026-10-19, by Ian Herrick)
• Second Marriage Planning: Caring for Your Spouse and Children — In a second marriage, caring for your spouse and preserving an inheritance for your children are separate promises. Here are the choices that can help you put both into a clear plan. (2026-10-12, by Ian Herrick)
• Your Passwords Are Not Your Plan — Your family may need more than passwords to find and manage important online accounts if you cannot act. Learn how a secure inventory, provider settings, and legal authority fit together. (2026-10-07, by Ian Herrick)
• Should Your Spouse or Trust Receive Your Life Insurance? — You bought life insurance to care for the people you love. Should the money go directly to your spouse or through your trust? The right answer begins with what your family needs the money to do. (2026-10-01)
• If Spouses Die Days Apart, Who Inherits? — When spouses die together or only days apart, the order of death can affect who inherits and whether assets pass through one estate or two. (2026-09-22)
• Your Successful Child May Need an Inheritance Trust — A successful adult child can manage money responsibly and still face professional claims, business obligations, divorce, or other risks. I explain how a continuing trust may protect family wealth without treating a capable adult like a child. (2026-09-14)
• You Have Life Insurance. Does It Still Fit Your Family? — A life insurance policy can remain unchanged while your family, finances, and estate plan move in a different direction. Here’s how to review the coverage, beneficiary form, trust, and people connected to the policy. (2026-09-08)
• Your IRA Trust Could Reach the 37% Tax Bracket at $16,000 — In 2026, estates and trusts enter the 37% federal marginal income-tax bracket once taxable income exceeds $16,000. I explain why that number is a reason to review your IRA, trust, beneficiary form, and family goals — not an automatic reason to remove the trust. (2026-09-01, by Ian Herrick)
• You Made a Will. Here’s What Comes Next — Making a will is an important first step, but it does not address every issue your family may face. Here’s a practical checklist for New York families after signing a will. (2026-08-24, by Ian Herrick)
• When a Prenup Promise Is Never Carried Out — A prenuptial agreement can put important commitments in writing, but those commitments still need to be carried out and reviewed. The Warner lawsuit offers a clear lesson for New York families about keeping a plan connected to real life. (2026-08-16)
• Make-A-Will Month: Why a Will Is Not a Complete Plan — August is Make-A-Will Month, which makes it a useful time to review your documents. But a will alone may not address probate, incapacity, beneficiary designations, or the first 72 hours of care for your children. (2026-08-09)
• Got Retirement Savings? Must Read… — The SECURE Act 2.0 changed key rules for retirement accounts and inherited wealth. Learn how outdated planning can create tax problems for your beneficiaries—and what to review now. (2026-04-28, by Ian Herrick)
• Caring for Aging Parents: How to Protect Relationships and Plan Ahead — Caring for aging parents can reopen old family wounds and strain sibling relationships. Learn how planning ahead can protect your children from confusion, conflict, and resentment later. (2026-03-05, by Ian Herrick)
• Wills vs. Trusts: How to Choose the Right Tool to Protect the People You Love — Wills and trusts serve different purposes, but the real question is whether your plan will work when your family needs it. Learn how to choose the right tools for your goals. (2026-02-10, by Ian Herrick)
• How to Keep Wealth in Your Family for Generations — Building generational wealth takes more than smart investments. Learn how thoughtful planning, family communication, and ongoing education can help preserve your legacy for children, grandchildren, and beyond. (2026-02-10, by Ian Herrick)
• Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You — Billions of dollars sit with state governments as unclaimed property. Learn how assets get lost, how to search for missing funds, and how planning can keep your property with the people you love. (2026-01-27, by Ian Herrick)
• Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process — Probate can freeze accounts, delay access to money, and force grieving families into court. Learn what happens in the probate process and how proper planning can help avoid it. (2026-01-19, by Ian Herrick)
• What Happens to All Your Stuff When You Die? (And Why Your Family Is Dreading It) — Your personal belongings can become a burden—or a meaningful gift. Learn how to organize, document, and plan for your possessions so your loved ones are not left guessing. (2026-01-12, by Ian Herrick)
• Accidental Death at 39: Here’s What You Need to Know — Sudden tragedy can leave loved ones grieving and financially overwhelmed. Learn why estate planning matters at every age and how preparation can protect the people who depend on you. (2025-12-15, by Ian Herrick)
• The White Elephant Gift Nobody Wants: Family Conflict — Holiday gift exchanges can be funny. Estate disputes are not. Learn how clear planning can prevent confusion, resentment, and lasting family conflict after you’re gone. (2025-12-03, by Ian Herrick)
• Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake? — A forgotten beneficiary designation can override your will, trust, and current wishes. Learn how one outdated form led to a million-dollar mistake—and why regular reviews are essential to protect your loved ones. (2025-05-19, by Ian Herrick)
• 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Estate Plan With AI — AI can be helpful, but estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all document task. Learn why your family, assets, values, and legacy deserve personalized guidance—not a quick AI-generated fix. (2025-05-19, by Ian Herrick)
• Common Estate Planning Questions Part 1 of 2 – On How to Handle Your Assets — Account ownership, beneficiary designations, and asset inventories can determine whether your loved ones receive your assets smoothly—or face probate, conflict, delays, and lost property. Learn the key planning mistakes to avoid and how to keep your assets organized, protected, and headed to the right people. (2025-03-31, by Ian Herrick)
• 4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk — Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Learn how the right plan protects your spouse, children, finances, and loved ones from court, conflict, and unnecessary stress. (2025-01-13, by Ian Herrick)