When your child turns 18, you lose automatic access to their medical and financial information under privacy laws like HIPAA. Learn which legal documents every young adult needs—Patient Advocate Designation, HIPAA Authorization, and Financial Power of Attorney—to ensure parents can make critical decisions in emergencies and avoid costly court petitions for guardianship.

Being commission-based doesn’t automatically make someone an independent contractor. The IRS and courts look at control, benefits, and work history—not just flexibility or pay structure. Learn how long-term employment, company oversight, and access to benefits can legally define a worker as an employee, and why proper classification is critical to avoid costly penalties.

Elder abuse—especially financial exploitation—is a growing concern in estate planning and probate. Learn key warning signs, from unexplained transactions to sudden changes in estate documents, and discover preventive steps families and estate planners can take. Explore legal remedies such as conservatorships, restraining orders, and restitution to protect vulnerable seniors and their assets.

Small businesses face lawsuits from employees and customers over issues like wage violations, discrimination, or injury claims. Learn the most common legal risks for small business owners and how to reduce liability through proper insurance, compliance, and legal planning. Discover proactive steps to protect your company, finances, and reputation from costly lawsuits.

The IRS will end paper check payments on September 30, 2025, under Executive Order 1427, shifting fully to electronic transactions. Learn how this impacts tax refunds, benefits, and federal payments, why the change was made for security and efficiency, and what taxpayers should do now to update payment methods and avoid disruptions.

The SBA’s new MARC loan program supports small U.S. manufacturers with flexible financing options. As part of the 7(a) loan program, MARC loans offer working capital and credit solutions for businesses under NAICS codes 31–33. Learn how these loans help manufacturers expand operations, improve cash flow, and invest in long-term growth and innovation.

Your estate plan isn’t “set it and forget it.” Life changes—like marriage, divorce, new children, or major financial shifts—can make your plan outdated. Learn the 12 key times to update your estate plan to protect assets, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes align with current New York estate and tax laws. Stay prepared.

Celebrate National Women’s Business Month 2025! October honors women entrepreneurs, who now own 13.3 million businesses, nearly 45% of all U.S. enterprises. Since 1982, women’s business ownership has grown 438%. Celebrate the progress—and discover SBA resources, Women’s Business Centers, and support networks to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. #WomenInBusiness #SmallBizMonth

Probate is the court process of settling a person’s estate after death, but it can be slow, costly, and public. To avoid it, consider a revocable living trust, name beneficiaries on accounts, hold property jointly, or use New York’s small estate option for assets under $50,000.

Secure your small business with these 10 essential contracts, from service agreements to NDAs and employee handbooks. Protect your assets, define clear terms, and prevent disputes by putting every detail in writing. Build stronger, safer business relationships with the right legal tools in place.

Don’t overlook your financial and tax records in your emergency preparedness plan. Learn how to digitize important documents, safely store backups, and document valuables before disaster strikes. Understand available tax relief options for disaster recovery and why updating your plan annually helps protect your assets, records, and peace of mind during unexpected emergencies.

Beware of tax scam text messages impersonating official state tax and revenue agencies. Scammers are phishing for bank details by promising fake income tax refunds. Learn how to spot fraudulent messages, what they look like, and the steps to block, delete, and report them to the New York State Tax Department or IRS safely.