When I ask clients whom they would like to name as Executor of their Will, the answer is often their oldest child, a sibling, or someone to whom they are particularly close. Sometimes the decision is based more on family relationships and avoiding hurt feelings than on whether the person is actually suited for the…
New York employers are now obliged to provide both current and former employees with access to their personnel files. Based on recently passed legislation by the New York State Legislature titled the Employee Personnel Record Access Law (“EPSA”), employees will now have unprecedented access to their employment files. Beginning November 8, 2026, employers will be…
Schwartz Ettenger is pleased to announce that all three of its firm members have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 New York Metro Super Lawyers list. This repeated recognition reflects the firm’s persistent dedication to delivering top-tier legal representation and achieving results for clients across multiple disciplines. The 2026 honors highlight key practice strengths…
In Part I of our Privacy Matters series, we discussed what happens to your privacy when a Will is admitted to probate. Because probate is a court proceeding, the Will and certain other information concerning the estate and the decedent’s family may become part of the public court record. For individuals who would prefer to…
Every business owner knows that, eventually, they will have to hand over the keys to the company they built. Yet while securing your legacy is critical, taking the first step toward an actual plan can feel overwhelming. It is the kind of massive project that is easy to leave on the back burner. A successful…
When people think about estate planning, they generally focus on who will receive their assets and how those assets will be distributed. One consideration that is sometimes overlooked is privacy. A Will does not remain a private document after death. If a Will is admitted to probate, it is filed with the court and becomes…
Artificial intelligence has rapidly moved from a novelty to an everyday business tool. From drafting emails and summarizing documents to analyzing data, preparing marketing materials, and screening applicants, employees across Long Island and New York City are actively using tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini. For New York business owners, this widespread adoption raises a…
Common Problems with Online Estate Plans: Documents May Not Comply with State Law Estate planning documents are governed by state law, and each state has its own requirements regarding execution. Something as simple as having the wrong number of witnesses, using an ineligible witness, or failing to follow your state’s signing requirements can create problems…
It has never been easier to create an estate plan. With a quick internet search, you’ll find countless websites promising that, after answering a handful of questions, you’ll have everything you need, including a will, power of attorney, health care proxy, and even a trust, in a matter of minutes. The process is appealing. It’s…
Many business owners sign merchant cash advance agreements (MCAs) because they need money fast. The problem is that these deals can be expensive, sometimes much more expensive than what they first appear to be. What looks like quick funding can turn into a costly obligation that continuously drains the business every day. If your company…
There’s no denying that owning a home today comes with its own unique set of rules. Between property taxes, competitive real estate markets, and sheer value your house isn’t just a place to live, it’s very likely your largest financial asset. Naturally, you want to make sure that asset, your home, is protected and that…
New York Real Property Law § 327-a requires anyone selling real estate within New York to remove old, discriminatory language from the property’s records upon sale. This covers covenants, restrictions, or conditions based on “race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, disability, national origin, source of income, or ancestry.” The rule applies…
