New York City Office655 Third Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10017
(212) 490-2020 Phone
(212) 490-2990 Fax
Westchester Office399 Knollwood Road
White Plains, New York 10603
(914) 684-2100 Phone
(914) 684-9865 Fax
Dutchess Office300 Westage Business Center
Drive, Suite 400
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845) 896-1106 Phone
(845) 896-1107 Fax
As a child with special needs approaches the age of 18, a variety of circumstances change. Programs that are available to help with the care of minors may no longer be available for adults. Eligibility for public financial benefits is subject to strict rules. Health care decisions may not automatically be left to parents or [...]
Continue reading...People who are familiar with the costs associated with nursing home care are acutely aware that care is getting more and more expensive every year. Fortunately, a portion of the cost of nursing home care, like other medical expenses, can be deducted as an itemized expense on federal tax returns. Medical expenses, including some longterm [...]
Continue reading...When planning for the future care of minor children, same sex couples living in New York State can and should take advantage of state adoption laws. Unlike some states that prohibit some or all types of GLBT adoption, New York State provides three legal adoption routes for gay and lesbian parents: single adoption for unmarried [...]
Continue reading...The bipartisan Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act, introduced by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) at the end of July, would expand affordable housing options under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 811 program for people with disabilities. The Section 811 program provides a benefit to individuals with disabilities in [...]
Continue reading...The Obama administration Justice Department drew criticism from GLBT groups in June when it moved for the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The administration’s argument for dismissal is based on the premise that DOMA remains law until repealed by Congress, and as law must be defended by the justice [...]
Continue reading...The unexpected death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair has raised a lot of questions about fidelity and domestic violence. Putting McNair’s personal life aside, however, we can use his situation as an example of what can happen when one does not engage in estate planning. We have commented on Michael Jackson’s death and the [...]
Continue reading...A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning instruments available. It is extremely important that a trusted individual be named to make financial decisions on your behalf should you become unable to speak for yourself. Since this is such an important decision, it is also important to understand that if [...]
Continue reading...An estate plan is made up of living documents. Legal documents such as Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are flexible and, therefore, can and should be reviewed on a regular basis. Most estate planning professionals advise that an estate plan be reviewed, and if necessary, updated every three to five years, or more frequently [...]
Continue reading...Naming a financial power of attorney, known in New York as an attorney-in-fact, is an important element of a good estate plan. If you become injured or ill or are for any reason unable to handle your finances, your attorney-in-fact has the power to act on your behalf. This individual can, for example, pay bills, [...]
Continue reading...Trusts are often thought of in association with large estates, especially those of celebrities whose lives and finances are constantly under public scrutiny. You should know, however, that trusts can be used by anyone interested in estate planningand anyone committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for his or her family and beneficiaries. A trust [...]
Continue reading...
