A Power of Attorney (POA) is a powerful legal tool often used in elder care to help aging individuals manage their finances, health decisions, and legal affairs. While POAs are meant to provide security and support, they can sometimes become instruments of abuse. When the person granted this authority begins to act in their own […]
A guide for Staten Island firefighters, and how mediation lets you decide what happens to your pension instead of leaving it to a judge. In Brief In a New York divorce, the part of an FDNY firefighter’s pension earned during the marriage is marital property. If a court decides, it is usually split under the […]
When someone passes away, the person named as executor in their will steps into a crucial role. Serving as an executor is an honor, but it also comes with legal duties, financial obligations, and potential personal risk. Executors must follow state probate laws, manage the decedent’s estate, notify beneficiaries and creditors, and ensure debts and […]
Before any conversation about parental fitness, the most important thing to understand is the legal framework that governs custody decisions in New York. The standard the court applies — well-established in New York law — is the best interests of the child. That is the test. Parental fitness is a part of the analysis, but […]
Important note before we begin. I am a matrimonial attorney and mediator, not a tax advisor or CPA. Nothing in this post is tax advice, and nothing here is a substitute for guidance from a qualified tax professional who knows the details of your specific situation. What this post does is flag tax-adjacent issues that […]
As people age, it’s not uncommon for them to resist help, even when their physical or mental condition deteriorates. Families are often left with the emotional and legal burden of what to do next when an elderly loved one refuses care—but is no longer safe living independently. This guide explores how to handle these difficult […]
Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone dies. It involves validating a will (if there is one), appointing an executor, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the deceased’s assets to heirs. While it may sound straightforward, many people are surprised when probate drags on for months—or even years. If you’re […]
Creating an estate plan is a critical step toward securing your financial legacy and protecting your loved ones. But simply drafting a will or trust once in your life isn’t enough. As your life evolves—through marriages, children, changes in assets, or new laws—your estate plan must evolve too. An outdated estate plan can lead to […]
Executive compensation is one of the most complex issues in high net worth divorce cases. These forms of compensation—stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), bonuses, and deferred income—can be difficult to value, divide, and classify. Unlike regular income, executive compensation may be unvested, performance-based, or subject to tax complications. This article explains how these assets […]
Long-term care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and Medicaid is often the only realistic way to pay for it. But Medicaid comes with strict financial requirements that may force you to spend down everything you own to qualify. A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) offers a powerful legal strategy to help you protect […]
Second marriages bring new beginnings—and new legal responsibilities. Blended families may include biological children, stepchildren, former spouses, and a new partner, all of whom may have different expectations and rights regarding inheritance. Without proper estate planning, your assets may not go to the people you intend, and family disputes can erupt in your absence. A […]
Divorce is difficult under any circumstances. But when one spouse holds significantly more power—emotionally, financially, or psychologically—mediation may not be a fair or safe process. Many people entering divorce are advised to try mediation, which is often viewed as a less expensive, more cooperative alternative to court. But mediation relies on both parties being able […]
