In the past, probate in New York was a quick process, with Letters Testamentary typically issued within a few months. However, the pandemic has changed that. The Surrogate’s Courts are now facing staffing shortages and a significant backlog, causing delays of six months to a year. What does this mean for you and your heirs?…
Effective February 11, 2024, NYS General Law Section 518 lets New York businesses charge a credit card surcharge, BUT only as long as the price, including the surcharge, is posted upfront and doesn’t exceed the fees they pay to credit card companies. Here’s the major points of the new law: No Surcharges: Businesses cannot add…
BUSINESS OWNERS BEWARE – in its ongoing commitment to employee protection, the State of New York consistently introduces new laws that have a significant impact on employers, potentially impeding their companies and exposing them to the risk of fines and penalties for non-compliance. Minimum Wage Increase Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage payable to…
Starting January 1, 2024, a significant change in corporate reporting requirements comes into effect with the effective date of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This new legislation mandates that certain types of companies must disclose specific ownership information to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations can result in…
Choosing the right executor for your estate is a critical decision that significantly impacts your asset distribution after your passing. An executor is responsible for managing your estate, settling debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries. This blog post offers valuable tips to aid in your selection process. Prioritize Trustworthiness and Reliability Selecting someone trustworthy and…
We are delighted to announce that three of our esteemed attorneys have been selected as 2023 Super Lawyers in the New York Metro Edition. This prestigious recognition highlights their exceptional legal expertise and dedication to their respective practice areas. The following attorneys have earned this esteemed distinction: Lee A. Schwartz, Esq. – Founding Member (Corporate…
A Canadian judge made headlines on June 8, 2023 when he ruled a thumbs-up emoji was a sufficient acceptance in a contract between a farmer and a grain processing cooperative. A cooperative employee texted the farmer a picture of a proposed contract and asked him to confirm the agreement. The farmer texted back with a…
Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC is delighted to announce the addition of Ron Rolleri, Esq. as Senior Counsel to their respected team of legal professionals. With a wealth of experience spanning more than 25 years, Ron brings a deep understanding of various legal disciplines to the firm. Ron focuses his practice on a diverse range of areas,…
In its ongoing commitment to employee protection, the State of New York consistently introduces new laws that have a significant impact on employers, potentially impeding their companies and exposing them to the risk of fines and penalties for non-compliance. New York Employers with “No Fault” Attendance Policies Subject to Penalties for Disciplining Employees Who Take…
At a car dealership, a long-standing and trusted salesperson colluded with an accomplice to submit fraudulent loan applications, inflating vehicle prices and trade-in values. They pocketed a significant portion of the loan proceeds, eventually getting caught through an internal audit, leading to legal action and the dealership’s efforts to recover the funds and restore its…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries in America; however, scammers are taking advantage of its increased usage and sophistication to perpetrate fraud. Car dealerships are a prime target for AI frauds because they deal with high-value transactions and collect sensitive customer information. Scammers may pose as legitimate car buyers, use fake identities, or steal…
IT’S A BRAVE NEW WORLD… As you probably have already heard, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) system that provides a vast array of information including legal advice. The system, which was developed by a Silicon Valley startup, uses natural language processing and machine learning to answer basic legal questions. As a search engine, it…
