Most people think of estate planning as something that matters only after death. In reality, some of the most important protections are in place while you are still living, especially if illness or injury leaves you unable to manage your own affairs. A trust is a valuable part of that plan. By naming a successor…
If you have minor children, one of your biggest concerns is likely to make sure they are cared for if the unthinkable happens. You may have already taken an important step by naming a guardian in your Will, but that is only part of the plan. A Will can include trust provisions, but it still…
Has a legal claim been asserted against you? Do you think you have a claim against someone else and want to know whether to pursue it? Think twice before “chatting” with an AI chatbot about your legal matters. A recent court ruling, United States v. Bradley Heppner, from the U.S. District Court for the Southern…
Most estate planning focuses on the big picture: who gets the house, how the trust is structured and who manages the accounts. But when an emergency or a death happens, it’s the small, missing details that cause the most stress for adult children. Where are your original estate planning documents? Who is your lawyer/accountant/insurance agent/financial…
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…
