Florida is a haven for people looking to escape the cold winter months in New York and other northern states. Those who come to Florida each winter to escape the frigid northern temperatures are affectionately known as "snowbirds." If you are a northerner who is considering spending your next winter down south, there are...
A Comparison of Probate and Wills in Florida and New York
Generally speaking, if you execute a last will and testament which conforms to the requirements set by the State in which you are a resident, that will is valid in every state. In Florida, the execution requirements are a bit more stringent than they are in New York. Not only must the witnesses sign...
Preventing Elder Exploitation with an Estate Plan
Elderly people are highly vulnerable to financial exploitation. This is because cognitive impairment often diminishes the ability of older adults to make sound financial decisions and to detect scams. Florida, with its large senior population, is a hotbed of elder exploitation. In this article, we examine the ways in which an estate plan can...
Incorporating A Second Home Into Your Estate Plan
It is not uncommon for New Yorkers to spend a few months in Florida or some other state, especially during the winter season. Whether you are heading to the Berskshires, the Carolinas, or some other destination, there are some relatively easy steps you should take in order to ensure that your estate plan takes...
Is Estate Planning Just for the Wealthy?
The biggest myth about estate planning is that it’s only for the wealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you have an estate, you need an estate plan. All that an estate means is that you own something of value that you want to protect. Therefore, if you own anything at all...
The Necessity of Having a Power of Attorney–Recent Changes in the Law
Clients often ask why they need to have power of attorney forms drafted for them. The simple answer is that in the event one becomes disabled and is unable, physically or mentally, to manage their own finances, pay bills, etc., the power of attorney is the easiest way to enable someone you have chosen...
LLC Pros and Cons
A limited liability company, also called an LLC, is a business structure that combines the advantages of a partnership with the liability protection of a corporation. An LLC can have one or more owners, who are called members. Members of an LLC can be individuals or businesses, and there isn’t a limit to the...
Consolidating Your Assets to Simplify LIfe
It is extremely important, especially as one gets older, to consolidate assets, rather than having them scattered at different institutions, in different accounts. It is quite common for clients to have several bank accounts and/or certificate of deposits, sometimes to earn better interest, and sometimes to also get the $250,000...
Common New York Business Agreement Mistakes
When drafting a New York business agreement, it’s imperative that you do so with the assistance of an experienced New York business law attorney. Otherwise, you run the risk of making mistakes that can cause headaches for years to come. Luckily, most New York business agreement mistakes are easily avoidable—you just need to...
Using Your Spare Time to Get Organized
Since so many of us have more free time these days, with the pandemic affecting us, it is a good time to get your finances and legal affairs in order. While it can be a daunting task, the way to handle it in a less stressful manner is to choose one area at a...