Welcome to Our Blog
Avoiding Probate
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.
Top 10 Contracts for Every Small Business
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 Forget Financial and Tax Records in Emergency Preparedness Plans
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.
Tax Scam Alert: Text Messages Pretending to be from Official State Tax and Revenue Agencies
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.
Planning Inheritance
Can an inheritance be divided in divorce? In New York, it’s usually separate property—but mixing funds, buying marital assets, or poor planning can change that. Learn how to protect a child’s inheritance using trusts, prenuptial agreements, and estate planning strategies that safeguard family wealth from divorce, creditors, and future financial risks.
What You Need to Know About Property, Business Interruption, and Cyber Insurance
Protect your business from unexpected losses with the right insurance coverage. Learn the essentials of property, business interruption, contingent interruption, and cyber insurance—what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how to avoid costly gaps. Understand replacement cost vs. cash value, sub-limits, and cyber risks to keep your business resilient, compliant, and financially protected after a disaster.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act": Key Figures for NY Taxpayers
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” brings major estate tax changes for NY taxpayers. Starting 2026, the federal exemption rises to $15M per person and sunsets are canceled. Learn how this affects estate, gift, and GST taxes, plus key New York State rules, rates, and planning strategies to minimize taxes and protect your wealth.
Before Disaster Hits, Employers Must Assess Safety, Legal Risks
Natural disasters can expose employers to serious safety and legal risks. Learn five key employment law issues every business must address—OSHA safety plans, wage and hour compliance, job duty changes, leave requests, and layoffs. Discover how proactive planning and legal guidance can protect employees, ensure compliance, and keep your business resilient during crises.
Navigating Probate Horror Stories: Lessons from Brooklyn Estate Case Examples
Avoid costly estate mistakes with real Brooklyn probate case lessons. From missing wills to family disputes, outdated trusts, and Medicaid missteps, these stories reveal how poor planning leads to probate nightmares. Learn how to protect your legacy, prevent family conflict, and ensure your estate plan reflects your true wishes with expert legal guidance.
Employer Guidance for New Tax Deductions for Tips and Overtime Pay
Learn how the new OBBBA tax deductions impact employers managing tips and overtime pay. This guide explains deductions of up to $25,000 for qualified tips and $12,500 for overtime, key compliance rules under the FLSA, and IRS reporting updates. Discover what employers must do to stay compliant and prepare for 2025 tax year changes.
Owners vs. Lender's Title Insurance: What's the Difference?
This guide explains why both policies matter, what each covers, and how they safeguard your real estate investment during and after closing. Essential reading for every homebuyer and property owner.
Protecting Your Business from Costly Legal Pitfalls and Setting Yourself Up for Success
AI tools can boost efficiency, but they can also create legal liabilities if not managed correctly. Learn how AI interactions may form binding contracts under the doctrine of apparent authority, exposing your business to risk. Discover proactive steps and legal strategies to protect your company from costly pitfalls while leveraging AI safely and effectively.