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…
As we enter a new season, it’s a great time to ensure your business is prepared and up to date on its compliance requirements. Since April 2019, the NYS Annual Mandatory Harassment Training has been an essential requirement for all employers and employees. It’s a great time to check that your business has completed this…
For owners of auto dealerships, navigating the intricacies of estate planning and business succession planning can be challenging, but with our expertise, you can secure your business’s future and reduce complexities for your family and employees. We excel in crafting tailored strategies that safeguard your assets, minimize tax liabilities and ensure smooth transitions. Here’s how…
You’ve organized your business, executed governing documents with your partners, obtained all required licensing, and are now ready to sign your commercial lease. Many, if not most, commercial landlords will require a guarantee of some sort to protect the landlord in the event tenant defaults. Understanding the type of guarantee that is required by the…
The passing of a spouse is a profoundly emotional time, and the legal and administrative responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. At Schwartz Ettenger, we understand the complexities involved in settling an estate and are dedicated to providing you with the expert guidance and support you need during this difficult period. Instead of managing these…
Surplus funds generated from a foreclosure can be a significant asset. It’s crucial to understand how these funds are handled and who is entitled to them. What Are Surplus Funds? When a property is foreclosed upon and the sale price exceeds the amount owed on the mortgage, the difference is known as “surplus funds.” Essentially,…
In response to growing concerns about workplace violence, New York has passed the Retail Worker Safety Act. This new law places a significant responsibility on retail employers to proactively address and prevent incidents of violence in the workplace. The Act requires employers to develop and implement comprehensive programs designed to mitigate the risk of workplace…
The New York Workers’ Compensation Law has undergone a significant amendment regarding claims for mental injuries. Previously, claims based on work-related stress were often difficult to pursue unless the employee was an emergency responder. The law now recognizes that other employees may also experience significant mental health consequences due to extraordinary work-related stress. This change…
New York has taken a significant step in supporting pregnant workers by enacting the nation’s first Paid Prenatal Leave Law. Starting January 1, 2025, employers are required to provide 20 hours of paid leave annually for pregnancy-related medical appointments. This groundbreaking legislation recognizes the importance of prenatal care and aims to ensure that pregnant employees…
Maintaining compliance with wage and hour laws is essential for all New York employers. A key aspect of this compliance involves ensuring that employees classified as exempt (from overtime) meet the required salary thresholds. These thresholds have recently increased, impacting on the eligibility of employees for executive and administrative exemptions from overtime pay. The minimum…
As of January 1, 2025, there is an increase to the minimum wage in New York State. Employers must ensure they are paying their employees at least the new minimum wage. The rate varies depending on location, with a higher minimum wage for New York City and surrounding areas. Employers must ensure they are paying…
