When should I update my estate plan?
The question, “When should I update my estate plan?” is often asked when creating an estate plan. The answer usually depends on what is going on in your life, but it can also depend on updates in the law and…
The Importance of Hiring a New York Real Estate Attorney
People often ask, “Why should I hire a real estate attorney?” The answer is simple: experience. Purchasing and selling real property, whether a private home, condominium or cooperative apartment, is often one of the biggest financial endeavors one undertakes in…
Avoiding Family Feuds: How Gifting Can Impact Your Estate Plan
If you are thinking about giving a gift of significant value to a loved one during your lifetime then you should take a minute to consider how it will impact your estate plan before you do. You may be creating…
The Complicated Battle Over Casey Kasem’s Healthcare
The ongoing battle over who will make healthcare decisions for Casey Kasem is getting more and more complicated. Last week the radio icon's wife and attorneys were delivered a court order from California judge giving Casey Kasem's daughter, Kerri Kasem,…
Living Together as a Married Couple with Disabilities
Paul and Hava Forziano married in 2013 and wanted to live together just like any other married couple. Should having a mental disability get in the way? Prior to their marriage Paul and Hava were living separately in group homes in…
Maya Angelou was an American Treasure
Celebrated poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou died yesterday at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at age 86. Born Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou became a literary voice who was known best…
Nursing Home Care: Is it Too Late to Protect Assets?
Most people are under the unfortunate misconception that if someone needs nursing home care and has assets that it is too late to save anything. This is generally WRONG! As many are aware, Medicaid has a five year look back…
What is a Comprehensive Estate Plan?
A comprehensive estate plan should at least include the following documents: durable power of attorney, health care directives and a Last Will and Testament (a Will). Health Care Directives, often referred to as a Health Care Proxy and a Living Will,…
Trusts and Problems to Avoid (Part 2)
So , You get it! You set up a Trust and understand the benefits of the Trusts. Now what? Let's talk about 9 Problems To Avoid with Your Trust. This is second part of my blog Trust and Problems. It…
SNT: Preserving the Future for Individuals with Disabilities
The Nassau County Supreme Court recently granted a preliminary injunction, temporarily restraining a bank from selling the home of a woman with disabilities. This is significant because the bank was the trustee of the very Special Needs Trust (SNT) that…