Legally Speaking.
Updates, insights, and practical guidance on estate planning, probate, and business law. Our newsletter for clients, friends, and anyone who prefers clear legal explanations over legalese.
Medical Aid in Dying Act
New York is on the cusp of a major end-of-life policy shift. Governor Kathy Hochul announced in December 2025 that she reached an agreement with the New York State Legislature to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law after adding significant safeguards.
March Update — Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
There has been an important update regarding Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act. FinCEN has published an interim final rule.
Important Update — Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
A significant development with regard to the Corporate Transparency Act for Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements. The Federal Court of Appeals reinstated BOI reporting requirements.
Important Developments on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
In our last issue, we discussed the Corporate Transparency Act. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction ruling the CTA unconstitutional.
Important Legal Update: Corporate Transparency Act
Congress has passed the Corporate Transparency Act in an effort to prevent and combat financial crimes. Businesses must report information about the individuals who own or control them.
Breaking News: Harris Adopts New Estate Tax Changes
Kamala Harris announced a plan to reduce housing costs, using funding from Senator Warren's American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2024. This Act proposes a major overhaul of the estate tax system.
New York Law Now Permits Transfer on Death Deed
Ever wonder if you can name a beneficiary for your home? Now you can. Owners of New York real property have a new option for transferring property upon death — the "Transfer on Death" deed.
Digital Estate Planning for iPhone Users
Apple released a new feature called Digital Legacy that lets you select specific people to access your account after you die. Here's how to set it up.
You've Been Appointed as Executor or Administrator — Now What?
The basic duties and responsibilities of an executor. An executor is legally responsible for sorting out the finances of the decedent, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate to the heirs.
Power of Attorney Basics
A Durable Power of Attorney is a powerful estate planning tool. Properly drafted, this document allows you to designate a person to manage your affairs when you are physically or mentally unable to do so for yourself.
The New York Power of Attorney Law Has Been Updated
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed long-awaited changes to the New York State Power of Attorney law. The changes are intended to make the power of attorney easier to use.
New York State Temporarily Permits Virtual Will Signings
In recognition of the national emergency, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order permitting remote notarization and remote witnessing of wills.
Ancillary Estate Planning Documents
We have spent a considerable amount of time discussing wills and bequests. However, there are other documents that are also critically important — the medical proxy, the living will, and the power of attorney.
New Tax Legislation Impacts Your Retirement Planning
The SECURE Act became law, containing a lengthy series of provisions impacting retirement plans and their participants. Two of these changes are especially significant.
What's In a Name?
Drafting your will requires you to think carefully about who you would appoint to handle important duties on your behalf. These persons are called fiduciaries, and their selection is one of the most important estate planning decisions.
What If?
Estate planners are in the business of "what ifs." We need to make sure that your Will covers all the possible circumstances that might arise in your life.
You Can't Take it With You
Let's discuss in greater detail what your Will contains and why it is so important. The old adage is true — you simply can't take it with you.
Wills vs. Revocable Trusts
You probably already know what a will is. But what about a revocable trust? Here we compare the two instruments and explain when each is the right choice.
A Guide for the Journey
A common mistake one can make in crafting an estate plan is adopting a "do it yourself" strategy. Building an estate plan is not like building a table. You need a guide for the journey.
Make Sure to Designate Beneficiaries
Some people make the unfortunate mistake of preparing a comprehensive estate plan but forgetting that not all of their assets will be governed by the dispositive provisions in their will or revocable trust.
Keep Your Original Will Safe and Locatable
Most states require that an original signed and witnessed will be produced to the court for probate. Duplicate copies are most often not accepted — so make sure your heirs can find the original.
Keep Your Estate Plan Current
Many people who take the time to prepare an estate plan make a different horrible mistake — they assume they can stick the documents in a drawer and forget about them. An estate plan is a living, breathing entity.
Don't Fail to Plan
There is a common misperception that estate planning is only for the wealthy — only for the 1%. This is entirely false. Everyone needs a plan. Without one, you've died intestate and the state decides everything.
Live Your Life, Plan Your Death, and Leave a Legacy
I'm a big Harry Potter fan. One of my favorite parts of the series is the sub-story of the Deathly Hallows, which teaches a lesson we can all apply to how we plan our legacies.
Announcing Our Newsletter
Welcome to our newsletter, Legally Speaking, which we will be sending out periodically with updates on important news and legal insights.
Protecting Your Business With Non-Disclosure Agreements
Competition in today's marketplace is fierce. Obtaining an edge over your competitors requires savvy, creativity, and a serious investment of time and money. A well-drafted NDA protects all of it.