By Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP This is the primary question asked by many of our estate planning clients. So, here are our top 10 reasons to consider a trust (in no particular order). Please keep in mind that there are many different types of trusts and one size does not fit all. You don’t want your estate to go through the probate process. While the probate process …
By Stephanie L. Goldstein, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP One thing we’ve learned from this pandemic is it’s never too early to plan ahead. Those with young families may believe they are either too young to engage in estate planning, are unable to afford it or simply do not have the time. Estate planning for young families is essential for a number of reasons. One reason is no matter your age, …
By Arshi Pal, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The President signed the Stimulus Package on March 27, 2020, which authorized direct payments to individuals and families. It was announced that individuals who filed taxes in 2018 or 2019 did not have to take further steps to receive their stimulus funds. However, the Social Security Administration further clarified that individuals who did not file taxes but receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social …
Jordan Jankus, Coordinator of Person-Centered & Cognitive Supports at Arc of Westchester, joins Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., to discuss Arc of Westchester’s remote services at this time, personal technology and smart phone updates, utilizing apps for people with special needs, and, helping people with cognitive disabilities find person-centered technology solutions during COVID-19.
By Brian L. Miller, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP As the COVID-19 crisis lingers, the interest of people seeking to prepare and/or update their estate planning documents has increased. However, there is an inherent (and valid) concern of clients who have socially isolated themselves in compliance with the CDC directives. As such, the Last Will and Testament and similar documents which required the signor sign in the physical presence of two …
By Brian L. Miller, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP In the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature quietly made significant changes to New York’s Medicaid rules, making it harder for New Yorkers to obtain Medicaid benefits for long-term care. The changes to New York State’s Medicaid program include the following: 30 month Look-back for Community Medicaid. Community Medicaid, the program which provides care for …
By Brian L. Miller, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP In this current COVID-19 environment, we have seen an uptick in news articles about Do It Yourself Wills and Advance Directives. These articles are often written by journalists with little to no real world experience of probating a will or executing advance directives, or are targeting a national audience so cannot focus on an individual state’s nuances. Such articles favoring the Do …
Littman Krooks attorneys Laura Brancato, Esq., Amy C. O’Hara, Esq., and Brian L. Miller, Esq., join Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., to discuss how families and people with disabilities can complete estate planning documents and advance directives using video technology during chaotic times.
At Littman Krooks, our mission is to foster the dignity, success and independence of our clients by providing the highest level of legal services in a caring, compassionate and ethical manner. We strive to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and their families. Being prepared in all areas of our lives is vital. Without sounding alarmist or opportunistic, this message is especially important now and is …
By Stephanie Goldstein, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The U.S. Treasury announced that the deadline for both filing federal income tax returns and payment of federal income taxes has moved from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. This is an update on the administration’s previous announcement in which taxpayers have until July 15, 2020 to make federal income tax payments though the deadline to file federal tax income returns remained …
