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Q: What situations often lead to a will contest?

Skilled Estate planning lawyers recommend that all people come in to establish an initial estate plan upon turning 18 years of age because, while it's difficult to consider, death or disability can strike even the young at any time.

Not only should

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How can I negotiate a good home price in a weakening market?

Real estate sales in Manhattan have plunged in the first quarter, marking the most significant sales drop in nearly a decade. Luxury homes in the area are now thought to be selling at their lowest level in at least six years. This weakening of what was thought of as an untouchable New York City real estate market reflects consumer uncertainty over the new federal tax law and fear surrounding the swaying stock market. Our

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What are the dangers of using a chatbot or other technology to make my will?

A taxation lawyer in South Australia has developed a chatbot that can automatically generate your will. The chatbot is named Ailira and already hundreds of people have used the bot to make an estate plan. For a fee, Ailira will ask the user a series of questions through text. This information is then collected and used to generate an automatic will or other estate planning document. While the chatbot offers ease of use, it raises some potential concerns as to the safety of a will created solely by a robot.

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What is eminent domain?

The concept of eminent domain recently made the news in New Jersey. The city of Hoboken had been attempting to obtain three acres of waterfront property through eminent domain. Now, the mayor of Hoboken has announced that the city will suspend all eminent domain efforts in response to a proposal issued by the mayor, who has alternative plans for the property. This aborted eminent domain action may have some New York and New Jersey residents wondering what exactly is eminent domain and when can it be used.

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What questions should I ask about a potential nursing home?

If your elderly loved one can no longer safely live alone, a nursing home may be the best place for your relative to receive the quality care he or she requires. Not all nursing homes are equal, however, and it is critically important that you thoroughly research the nursing homes you are considering. You will want to tour nursing homes in your area and ask many questions to determine which location is the best fit for your elderly loved one. For assistance with choosing and defraying nursing home costs,

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Where do I begin the home buying process?

For the first time home buyer, buying a house can seem like an overwhelming process. A successful purchase requires several critical factors coming together at the same time. You will need to find your perfect house, ensure it passes inspection, negotiate to a price you can afford, and ensure your purchase agreement protects your legal rights. Our

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Do I need an estate plan if I am single?

If you are in your 20s or 30s and have yet to create an estate plan, you are far from alone. According to a survey from Caring.com, 60 percent of all Americans lack a will or other basic estate plan. While it may be tempting to put off making an estate plan if you are young or single, doing so comes with considerable risks. Every year approximately 150,000 die from unintentional injuries, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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What are my legal rights if the home I am looking to purchase is found to have a major defect?

Buying a home is a significant investment that you will want to enter into with full disclosure. As such, your home inspection will be one of the most critical components to the purchase of your new home. You will want to select a certified home inspector with experience and skill who will identify any areas of concern in the home. Your purchase contract should additionally protect you in the event a major problem is found.

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How might the new tax law benefit landlords?

As the new tax law takes effect, now is a good time to consider investing in the real estate market.  The new tax code has resulted in several critical changes in the real estate and business realm.  For starters, LLCs will now pay drastically lower tax rates, saving landlords that hold property in these entities money.  Further, as a reaction to the new laws and other economic factors, housing prices in some regions have dropped.  If you are considering
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What are my rights as a tenant in New York if my neighbor is excessively loud?

If you live in and around New York City, chances are you live in close proximity to others.  While some neighbors can become wonderful friends, we have all likely had at least one neighbor that caused us troubles.  Noise from a neighbor is a common complaint, and sometimes it will give rise to legal rights.  If you are a tenant plagued by an unreasonably loud neighbor, read on to find out more about your...

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Will my homeowners’ insurance protect me in the event of an earthquake?

Last year, Americans watched as hurricanes, fires, and earthquakes struck parts of the U.S. and abroad, inflicting massive damages on homes and people caught in their wake.  These natural disasters have caused many of us to realize just how important it is to be prepared for the worst.

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