On February 6, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Act into law. This landmark legislation provides terminally ill and mentally competent New Yorkers with a choice in how they spend their final days. While the law has been signed, it includes a six-month implementation period to allow the Department of…
The most common cause of probate litigation may not be a missing signature, but something far more simple: a surprise. When adult children are blindsided by the contents of a Will or the appointment of an Executor, that shock can quickly turn into a costly courtroom battle. The most effective way to “litigation-proof” your estate…
In the “old days,” estate planning was mostly about physical keys: to the house, the filing cabinet, and the safe deposit box. Today, your legacy is just as likely to be stored in the cloud, on a blockchain, or behind a biometric scan. As we move through 2026, digital assets are no longer a niche…
Significant amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) have officially taken effect. These updates broaden employee entitlements and introduce new administrative requirements for any employer with staff operating within the five boroughs. The New 32-Hour Unpaid Bank In addition to existing paid safe and sick leave (40 or 56…
Both federally and in New York State, legislators and Departments of Labor have pushed for laws removing or limiting the use of non-competes to restrict employees from working in their field of choice after exiting employment. While New York Courts have already limited an employer’s ability to create “unreasonable” restrictions, the state has yet to…
In late 2025, New York enacted the Trapped at Work Act, which restricts an employer’s ability to require repayment of sign-up bonuses, relocation allowances, tuition and education payments (often called “stay-or-pay” provisions). The 2026 Amendments: Following significant feedback from the business community regarding the law’s unintended consequences, the Legislature passed Chapter Amendments in January 2026….
Maintaining compliance with wage and hour laws is essential for all New York employers. As of January 1, 2026, the final phase of the state’s scheduled minimum wage increases has taken effect: NYC, Long Island, and Westchester Counties: $17.00 per hour. Remainder of the State: $16.00 per hour. Exempt Salary Thresholds A key aspect of…
The New York Fair Credit Reporting Act has been amended to significantly restrict the use of consumer credit reports in employment-related decisions. This includes hiring, promotions, setting compensation, imposing discipline and other terms of employment. Under this amendment, the law only allows employers to utilize the results of an individual’s credit history in only limited…
Silence isn’t golden when it comes to your estate. When you don’t have a Will, you’re effectively giving a stranger the keys to your life’s work and your children’s future. It’s not just about money; it’s about control and clarity. Here are four hidden dangers of letting New York State decide what happens next: A…
Most people believe having a Will is enough to keep their family out of court. Unfortunately, that’s one of the most common legal misconceptions I see. Take this quick 30-second audit to see where you stand: Who determines how your assets are distributed if you die without a plan? (Answer: It’s the State, not your…
After your parent passed, you diligently searched through years of paperwork in filing cabinets, safety deposit boxes and desk drawers. You found the account statements clearly showing a $100,000 CD titled in the name of the ‘Smith Family Living Trust.’ The only thing missing? The Trust document itself. You thought, “No problem, I’ve been appointed…
Schwartz Ettenger is proud to announce that all three of its distinguished members have once again been selected as 2025 New York Metro Super Lawyers. This consistent recognition underscores the firm’s unwavering commitment to legal excellence and client success across diverse practice areas. Founding Member Lee A. Schwartz, Esq., has been honored for his exceptional…
