Episode 022: Exploring Probate and Estate Law in New York with Yana Feldman

Welcome back to the Probate House Guy Podcast! In this episode, we continue our series featuring attorneys from all 50 states. Today's guest is Yana Feldman, an esteemed attorney from New York City with over 20 years of experience in estate planning, elder law, Medicaid, and trust and estate administration. We dive deep into the complexities of probate and elder estate law in New York, exploring the challenges of estate planning, the importance of meticulous preparation, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Yana shares her journey from aspiring prosecutor to a trusted expert in probate litigation, highlighting the "soap opera" dynamics of family interactions in estate matters.

Timeline Summary:

[0:24] - Introduction to Yana Feldman and her legal expertise.

[1:22] - Overview of Yana's firm and the services they provide.

[2:10] - Yana's unexpected path into estate law after 9/11.

[3:17] - The importance of planning to avoid family conflicts and litigation.

[5:40] - Real-life scenarios of family disputes over estate assets.

[10:03] - Tips for families to handle probate conflicts and the role of mediation.

[16:00] - Advice for families on streamlining the estate process.

[23:42] - Cost of probate in New York and ways to manage expenses.

[30:06] - Timeline expectations for probate in New York and how trusts can help.

Links & Resources:

• Yana Feldman's Law Firm: New York Legacy Lawyers
• New York Surrogate's Court Mediation Program: www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/surrogates
• Ancestry.com for genealogical research: www.ancestry.com
• Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts: www.elderlawanswers.com/medicaid-asset-protection-trusts-12065

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for tuning in to this insightful episode with Yana Feldman. If you found this episode helpful, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to you. Stay tuned for more expert insights in our ongoing series!