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Serving as the executor of an estate is a serious responsibility that brings with it legal duties. Executors who fail to properly manage an estate can face legal consequences, including personal liability for losses. If you have been named as an executor, you should be aware of common mistakes that you should avoid. Paying the wrong bills first. Estates typically have a variety of debts, and one of the executor’s …
By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP All of us at Littman Krooks wish you a holiday season filled with joy, happiness and success. We know how difficult this season can be for those with disabilities or illnesses who are alone, sad or isolated and for their caregivers. During this time of year, especially, we remember all of those vulnerable individuals, particularly those who do not have the appropriate …
Bipartisan legislation was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump to protect seniors from financial exploitation. The Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act passed Congress as part of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act and was signed into law on October 18, 2017. The legislation, authored by U.S. Senators John Cornyn, R-Texas and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, strengthens accountability and oversight for guardians and conservators. Under the new …
A bill signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in September requires state agencies to create guidelines that will assist healthcare providers in identifying elder abuse. The law calls for the development of screening tools, questions that healthcare providers can ask, and other resources they can use to report abuse or seek additional assistance. The law aims to help address elder self-neglect as well as abuse by others. Sen. Sue …
By: Amy C. O’Hara, CELA, Partner, Littman Krooks LLP December 31st will be upon us before we know it. As estate planning attorneys, now is the time of year we work with clients to evaluate their wealth transfer strategies prior to year-end and for the coming year. Effective January 1, 2018, the IRS has confirmed it is increasing the annual gift tax exclusion to $15,000 per individual recipient, up from …
By Alexis R. Gruttadauria, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Benefits. This 2% increase marks the largest COLA increase since 2012 when the COLA increase was 3.2%, and according to the SSA’s October 13, 2017 press release the increase is expected to affect the benefits of approximately 61 …
By Ryan J. Byrnes, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Labor Day weekend has come and gone marking the unofficial end of the summer. However, one season is still in full swing. That’s right, it’s wedding season. Many couples have said their “I Do’s” this summer and will continue to do so over the next few months. As someone who recently tied the knot, I understand the importance of laying the foundation …
By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The New York State Court of Appeals, in Meyers, et. al. v. Schneiderman, et.al, on September 7, 2017, ruled that assisted suicide remains illegal in New York. Specifically, the Court affirmed lower court rulings that that the state legislature has a rational basis for criminalizing assisted suicide. The Court rejected the argument that New York State Constitution protects the right to physician-assisted …
By Arshi Pal, Esq. As the summer brings warmer weather and longer days, I look forward to my evenings in the doggy park with my twins, Louie and Simba. When I get home from work there they are waiting for me to pick them up and take them to their favorite spot. I cherish the times we spend together but I can’t help but think about what would happen to …
Chronic Medicaid vs. Community Medicaid in New York State Seniors who need long-term care should know that these services are not covered by Medicare, so they will need to either purchase long-term care insurance, pay out of pocket, or apply for Medicaid. In New York State, there are two different Medicaid programs: Community Medicaid, which covers care at home, such as a personal care aide, and Chronic Medicaid, which covers …
