As we age, securing our future becomes increasingly important, especially when it comes to healthcare. For many aging New York residents, Medicaid is a vital resource that can provide necessary medical and long-term care services. Understanding how your income and...
Title records for a property help establish who the lawful owner of a parcel is. A local county recorder's office maintains records of who owns individual pieces of real estate and what, if any, encumbrances affect their rights. Anytime a real estate transaction...
A letter of intent (LOI) is a formal document that — while not legally binding — serves as a starting point for negotiations between a buyer and seller or a commercial landlord and tenant. In essence, a letter of intent is a written expression of the desire to enter...
As we age, our homes become more than just a place to live – they are a sanctuary, a symbol of independence and a repository of memories. It is no wonder that many of us want to stay in our homes for as long as possible, surrounded by the people and things we love....
When you turn 18, it’s possible for you to make an estate plan. You cannot do it when you’re a minor, so this is your first chance to get a plan in place. But you may find yourself wondering why it would even be necessary. Maybe you just graduated from high school and...
Imagine this scenario: You rush to the hospital after learning your long-time partner has been in a serious accident. As you arrive, your heart racing with worry and fear, you confront a harsh reality. Because you are not married, you have no legal right to make...
If you passed away today, who would take care of your child? You may say that your spouse would do so, but what if neither one of you were there to provide this care and upbringing yourselves? Who would step into that role? This can be a concerning question for...
As you watch your parents age, you might find yourself thinking more often about their future care and well-being. This is when planning for end-of-life care becomes a critical part of their estate plan. Advance health care directives are essential documents that...
Every adult 18 and older should have the most basic aspects of estate planning — a simple will, an advanced care directive and a power of attorney. More complex estates might include trusts as well. But New Yorkers would do well to take a page from our European...
Imagine yourself in a hospital bed, unable to speak or move. Your doctors and family members debate your medical treatment, unsure of your wishes. Unfortunately, this scenario is not rare, especially in end-of-life situations. But you can avoid this uncertainty and...