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Q: Do all home upgrades increase its market value?

If you are considering selling a home in Staten Island or New Jersey, you may be wondering what needs to be addressed in order to maximize your selling price. In general, fresh paint and new flooring goes a long way in sprucing up the interior, as clean landscaping and plantings enhance curb appeal. But not every dollar spent on home improvement projects will generate a worthwhile return on the investment.
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A factor in any estate plan is dealing with the potential for tax liability. Your estate and your heirs could have a significant tax liability if you are not careful when creating a plan to finalize your affairs after your death. Because of the recent changes in tax laws, it may be a good time to review your estate plan with a New York estate planning attorney to ensure that you are taking steps to reduce the tax liability for your heirs and loved ones.
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Before accepting a deed to real estate in New York, it is best to consult a New York real estate attorney. For many people, real estate is the most valuable asset they own. Before investing in real estate, it is wise to ensure that you are receiving good and marketable title.
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Q: What planning should I do before I retire?

Ah, retirement. The golden years. The time to slow down, leave the long workdays behind, and finally reap the rewards of a lifetime of saving for the future. It’s finally time to focus on pursuing the things that interest you most. But before you head to the beach, the green, the airport, or the grandkids, you should check on the status of your estate plan.
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Digital assets, like other assets, have value. Protecting these assets is an important part of estate planning. Failing to include digital assets in your estate plan could result in court battles and expenses for your heirs. A Read more . . .

Estate planning can be challenging for any parent. However, single parents have additional considerations because of their status as single parents. A New York estate planning attorney can help you develop an estate plan that protects your child if something should happen to you.
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Q: How does The SECURE Act impact common estate planning practices?

A new law was signed in December 2019 that made significant changes in the rules regarding both individual and employer-sponsored retirement plans. When the calendar flipped on January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act—and its perks for retirement plans-- went into effect. But unfortunately, an often-used estate planning strategy was simultaneously taken away.
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Q: What information will my estate planning lawyer need?

New York and New Jersey estate planning attorneys know that one of the biggest reasons people put off having a comprehensive estate plan created is that they are afraid to face their own mortality. Nobody wants to talk about death, but having an estate plan is the best thing you can do for your family. Having everything organized and your legal affairs in order will make a devastating situation slightly easier on your loved ones than the chaos and additional expenses that will result if you die without doing so.
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Q: Is it a good time to rent retail store space in New York City?

New York and New Jersey real estate attorneys have noticed a recent boom in the opening of new brick and mortar stores throughout New York City.

What is driving the increase of new stores opening throughout New York City?

Lower rents for one thing. Multiple Read more . . .

Q: What is the spouse’s Right of Election?

New York and New Jersey estate planning attorneys are watching with interest as details of the estate plan of Cars front man, Ric Ocasek, come to light.
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Q: What should I know before buying a home?

New York and New Jersey real estate attorneys help clients purchase their first home, upgrade to a larger home, and downsize to something smaller. Often, their first contact with a prospective homebuyer happens after they have already found what they think is the home of their dreams and are ready to go into contract.

Sometimes,