So, you were foolish enough to stay in New York instead of moving to Miami? Okay, we all can’t retire and drink margaritas on the beach. Picture this scenario: yesterday morning, when it was 20 degrees God dropped 12 inches of snow on Long Island. Later in the afternoon the temperature rose to 50 degrees …
Have you ever wondered why so many cars parked on a New York City street have out-of-state license plates? It costs a fortune to own a car and pay for insurance, tolls, gasoline and repairs. The lure to register and insure a car in a different state where insurance rates are low is strong because …
Asked to comment on the new constitution and speculate on the permanency of the newly formed United States of America, Benjamin Franklin stated that “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Some 200 years later the certainty of taxation continues. One tax imposed in the United States is …
I am selling my house – Do I have to pay taxes on the sales price? Read More »
As a parent of a minor child, you may in your will designate a guardian for your children in the event that you die during their minority. The New York State Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 81 authorizes the appointment of guardians by parents. The Surrogate, who is the judge who handles estate matters, will …
Americans have become accustomed to believing that the gold standard for banking transactions is a bank check. The issuing bank guarantees that the check is as good as cash. Right? Wrong. Let’s say that your Grandma died last week and you’re selling her wedding ring on e-bay. A prospective buyer may offer to pay you …
When you leave the womb and greet the world your parents give you a name and put it on your birth certificate. Nobody asks your opinion. You get no chance to object. As soon as they’ve determined whether your blanket should be blue or pink, they hang a name on you that you wear for …
Recently, an aunt of mine was clearing out some personal items and came across a letter my grandfather had written to his mother-in-law (my great-grandmother) soon after my grandparents’ honeymoon in 1924. It was a beautiful letter- the kind that people years ago were skilled at writing, a skill not often displayed these days in …
WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS WHEN WE DIE? Read More »
One of the least understood and, therefore, overlooked options for automobile insurance is the one that provides uninsured and underinsured liability coverage. It is listed on the policy declarations page under the heading “UM/SUM.” Uninsured Motorist coverage “UM” is mandated by New York State. It protects the driver and passengers of a vehicle who are …
UMmmm . . . SUM Auto Insurance Policies are Better Than Others Read More »
If you are ever called for jury duty, the lawyers will say that they are looking for jurors who will be impartial. They’re lying. Any trial lawyer worth his salt wants jurors who will favor his client. The jury system works when each lawyer is able to “strike” the jurors who would seem to …
With Valentine’s Day approaching, no doubt many men are considering a marriage proposal to their significant others. But before “fools rush in”, consider this: Who gets the engagement ring if the wedding is called off? Believe it or not, there is a law in New York State that contemplates such eventualities. Civil Rights Law § …
