A Salute to our Veterans
For many people, Noviembre 11 is just another day off from work or school. However, on this important holiday, Veterans Day, we should all pause to celebrate and thank our veterans; the men and women who have served in the…
Why Is It Important to Designate a Beneficiary?
A question clients often ask is, “What happens to my assets when I die?”
The answer to that popular question depends on what you do while you are alive.
When you die, your assets are essentially bulked into two general categories: (1) Non-Probate Assets; and (2) Probate Assets.
In order to determine if something is a non-probate or probate asset, you must look at the way in which the asset is owned.
A Little Girl Making a Big Difference
When you are little, often times, being different is perceived as a bad thing. Sesame Street, known for teaching important lessons to children through their stories, is here to show that everyone deserves to be respected and not bullied because…
The Importance of Putting Family First: A Story from Lima, Peru
We often hear stories of people who live in underdeveloped countries and the daily struggles they face due to scarce resources. Often times, these countries lack the means to have proper schools, hospitals and help to properly care for their…
What Happens to my Social Security Benefits When I Die?
When there is a death in your family, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t Social Security; and it shouldn’t be. But it should be noted that some of the decedent’s family members may be able to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased person worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits. In order to find out what, if any, benefits you or your family may be entitled to, you should contact the Social Security Administration.
How I Found Love in Elder Law and Estate Planning
Mi primer trabajo como abogada fue para un abogado especializado en derecho de la tercera edad y planificación patrimonial.
Me lo presentó un familiar y ahora no me imagino haciendo otro tipo de derecho.
Me encanta reunirme con familias y ayudarlas cuando se encuentran en situaciones difíciles. Es increíblemente gratificante poder ayudar a alguien a superar una crisis y proponerle soluciones que le permitan preservar su dignidad y proteger su patrimonio.
The Truth About Nursing Homes: Reasons to Consider
La verdad es que las residencias de ancianos están llenas de personas que no querían estar allí y cuyas familias pensaban que nunca lo harían.
Como abogado especializado en derecho de la tercera edad, a menudo oigo: "Mi madre nunca acabará en una residencia de ancianoso "Nunca metería a mi padre en una residencia."
Todo esto es bonito en teoría. Nadie (ni siquiera yo) quiere ver a sus padres en una residencia, pero en la mayoría de los casos la decisión obedece a motivos económicos o asistenciales.
Super Lawyers: Recognizing Excellence in the Legal Profession
We are proud to announce that Vincent J. Russo and has once again been named “Super Lawyers” on the “New York Metro Super Lawyers” list. The Super Lawyers website notes that “Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers…
When Does Guardianship Become a Necessity?
In New York State there are three different types of guardianships:
- Guardianship under Mental Hygiene Law Article 81: Applicable to an adult who had capacity during their lifetime but has since experienced cognitive and/or functional limitations.
- Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act Article 17 Guardianship: Guardianship of a minor, applies to anybody under the age of 18 without a legal guardian. An Article 17 action assigns guardianship for a child only until they reach the age of majority at 18 years old.
- Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act Article 17A Guardianship: Applies to an adult without requisite mental capacity; adults with developmental disabilities, who are intellectually disabled, or who have a traumatic brain injury.
Why Everyone Should Have a Will
It is estimated that 64% of Americans do not have a will. Some of the top reasons people give for not making a will include:
- I do not have enough money to need a will
- I just have not gotten around to it
- I will not need it for a long time
- I do not want to think about my own mortality
As recent celebrity deaths have shown, life can end unexpectedly in an instant. Without the proper planning, the inevitable can have many unwanted and unintended consequences for those you leave behind.