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What is a C.L.U.E. report?

What are the benefits of a CCRC as opposed to assisted living?

Advances in medicine have led to people living longer and more independently even into their 80s and beyond.  New housing concepts have emerged to meet the changing needs of seniors, with one of the most popular being the Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC.  A CCRC is a retirement community that provides a lifetime of care, with housing options ranging from single family homes or condos with no assistance to full nursing care for those who need it.  CCRCs tout the benefit of keeping seniors living independently as long as possible, with a range of amenities and activities.  While CCRCs comes with many advantages over traditional assisted living facilities, you will want to thoroughly research this option before making the move.
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What are the advantages of a revocable trust vs. a last will?

Revocable living trusts and last wills are two commonly used estate planning tools.  Wills and trusts both have their place in estate planning, but revocable living trusts offer some benefits that a last will and testament cannot. Your ideal estate plan will depend on your goals and assets.  Our

How might the new federal tax law impact my estate plan?

The new tax bill went into effect on January 1, 2018.  Several major tax provisions will change under the tax reform bill and these alterations will have an impact on the field of estate planning as well as personal taxes. Now is the time to review your estate plan, if you currently have one, to ensure it still meets all of your needs under the new law. If

What should I offer for my new home?

Negotiating the purchase of a new home is an art.  As a buyer, when you fall in love with a home, your first instinct may be to offer full price.  However, jumping right to the list price, or even over, without any caveats may be selling yourself short.  Our

When is it lawful for a landlord to enter rented property?

As a landlord, you have certain rights to enter your leased property.  Being able to enter the home is critical when it comes to making repairs and inspecting the premises, but entry at just anytime is not permitted under New York law.  Landlords must comply with basic laws as to proper entry so that they do not infringe on the rights of the tenant.  Further, a landlord needs to understand what remedies he or she may seek if a tenant is refusing to allow entrance to the property.  Our

Why do I need an estate plan if I am not married?

More couples today are putting off marriage in favor of living together.  According to the latest Census data, the number of couples living together out of wedlock has increased over 25 percent since 2000.  Many unmarried younger adults without children may believe that having an estate plan is not necessary.  However, not being married can actually lead to complex issues should one of the partners pass away or become gravely ill.  Unmarried partners can protect themselves by reviewing the estate planning tips below and contacting

How can I ensure my assets stay in the family after my death?

Estate planning is essential for people of all ages and income levels.  Without an estate plan in place, your assets could go towards taxes and may be passed to heirs that you would not have selected.  While the federal estate tax limit is high for individuals and couples, states often have lower limits and other fees related to probate can be costly.  Our

How can I make my end of life wishes clear?

One man’s tattoo recently left a team of Miami doctors with a confusing ethical dilemma.  A 70-year-old man was taken to a Miami hospital, where doctors discovered that he had a large chest tattoo that stated “Do Not Resuscitate.”  The tattoo seemed to convey the man’s end of life wishes, but doctors were puzzled over whether the message should be honored.  The New England Journal of Medicine recently explored this interesting case. 

Will home prices drop in New York if the GOP tax bill passes?

As the tax reform bill pushes towards passage, many people across America are concerned with how the new tax plan may impact their lives and finances.  One of the top questions is how the controversial bill will affect the housing market.  Recently, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued a warning that adoption of the new bill will cause housing prices to drop nationwide.  Our Staten Island, New York real estate planning lawyers discuss what changes you could anticipate seeing in the real estate market in the coming years and how you can take advantage of them.

Proposed Tax Bill Limits Homeowner Related Deductions 

The tax bill as it is currently written contains several provisions that reduce or eliminate deductions commonly used by home owners.

How can I bring my loved one’s comfort with my estate plan?

Estate planning usually revolves around the ever important transference of your assets to your spouse, children, and other loved ones.  It is critically important that you prepare your estate to eventually be passed down to your heirs.  Without such planning, your hard earned assets may be subject to extreme taxation, delays, and could potentially not go to the individuals you would have selected.