Legal guardianships are thoughtful legal arrangements that help ensure the well-being of individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves. Pursuing a guardianship can be a huge help to a family member in need. For New Yorkers navigating the complexities of legal guardianships, understanding the key aspects of the process is a must. Types of guardianships New York recognizes…
Although married couples in New York get divorced for a wide range of reasons, some causes are more common. People who are considering ending their marriages can benefit from learning about various reasons for divorce. Furthermore, it is important to review potential grounds for divorce available in New York State. Most frequent causes of divorce Poor communication and conflict resolution…
Getting older can be expensive. Aging can bring new health problems, and many retired people live on limited incomes, unable to afford the services they require. If this is your situation, Medicaid can help you receive the health care you need. Who qualifies for Medicaid? The purpose of Medicaid is to provide health care coverage to individuals with limited income…
In today’s custody cases, the judge typically focuses on the best interest of the children for both legal and physical custody. In most cases, family courts prefer that both parents remain involved in their children’s lives, resulting in shared custody. However, what happens when one parent wants to move out of the state? It does not matter whether you share…
More than 77% of American adults over the age of 50 want to remain in their homes rather than move to assisted living or long-term care facilities, according to a recent AARP survey. However, the cost of rent makes it difficult for many aging New Yorkers to remain in their homes. The city council is considering new legislation that would…
Relying on a nursing home facility in New York to care for your aging loved one can alleviate some of your caretaking responsibilities. However, you have to trust that caretakers will provide humane treatment. Abuse at the hands of caregivers can damage self-esteem, jeopardize physical safety and lower life expectancy. Knowing how to protect your family member from abuse can…
Stepparents in New York state do not have automatic parental rights to their stepchildren. Unfortunately, divorcing your spouse can lead to a painful end to the close bond you share with your stepchild. Fortunately, adoption is a way to ensure you remain in your stepchild’s life. What are the requirements for stepparent adoptions? Before pursuing adoption you must be legally…
Divorce is never a one-size-fits-all process. You might undergo a very different set of procedures depending on if your divorce is collaborative, contested or uncontested. Starting in March of 2022, the New York courts allow filing through the Uncontested Joint Divorce Pilot Project in certain counties. As this program expands to other New York counties, you can make the most…
As a parent, keeping your child safe and secure is one of the top priorities. Naming a guardian to care for the child in the event both parents die should be part of every parent’s estate planning process. Considering someone else to care for your child is never easy, and many parents put this decision off. However, if you do…
When you live in New York and have a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability, you may question that individual’s ability to make sound decisions regarding his or her own medical care, financial situation and other personal affairs. In some cases, you may question whether your loved one might need something called Article 17-A guardianship. This is a…
Adults generally have the right and responsibility to make decisions for themselves and to manage their own affairs. However, some adults are unable to do so due to incapacitation. Under these circumstances, an individual can file for the appointment of a guardian for the incapacitated adult. According to the New York State Unified Court System, this is an Article 81…
As an estate plan creator, you need to have an executor in place. This is one of the most – if not the absolute most – crucial figures in your entire estate plan. To that end, you may automatically want to assign one of your closest family members to the spot. But is this the best idea? In spite of…
