News & Insights

  • COMMISSION

    WHAT MUST A REAL ESTATE BROKER PROVE TO ENFORCE A CLAIM FOR A COMMISSION IN COURT?

    Real estate brokers generally earn their commission when they are the “procuring cause” of the sale of real property and the sale actually closes. In most transactions, it is clear that the broker procured the sale because he or she introduced the actual buyer to the seller. However, in a recent New York case, the … Read more

  • Workers’ Compensation

    What Happens If You Die While Receiving Workers’ Compensation for an Injury?

    If you were injured on the job and were awarded workers’ compensation for a set amount of time, what happens if you die during that timeframe from something unrelated to the injury? Do your heirs lose the entire unaccrued portion of the award? Well, the first inquiry required to resolve this question is whether the … Read more

  • employment

    NEW YORK STATUTE PROTECTS EMPLOYEES WHO DECIDE TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

    While Election Day has passed, employment concerns about the political activities of employees can come up at any time of year. It is important for employers and employees to understand the rules regarding an employee’s rights to engage in political activity as clarified in a recent decision of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in … Read more

  • Estate Planning

    Why LGBTQIA+ Individuals Need Estate Planning

    Planning for death or incapacity can be an intimidating task for anyone. However, if you identify as an LGBTQIA+ individual, you may have additional considerations when it comes to protecting yourself, your partner and your family. As a result, it is important to consult with an attorney to discuss your wishes and help ensure that … Read more

  • Payment

    What Can You Learn from an Accidental $1 Billion Payment?

    You are probably not going to receive a nine-figure payment, whether by accident or on purpose. However, you can still learn some valuable lessons from a group of finance firms that did get $1 billion mistakenly. In a recent case in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the Court addressed whether the … Read more

  • Incapacitated Person

    What Powers Does a Guardian Have to Act After the Death of the Incapacitated Person?

    If a loved one no longer has the capacity to take care of themselves or their finances, it may be time to seek guardianship. Under New York law, an interested person can file a petition to have a guardian appointed over either the ‘person’ or property of the incapacitated person. Once appointed, the guardian is … Read more

  • STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

    STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS BARS CLAIM FOR REPAYMENT OF MONEY ‘HAD AND RECEIVED’

    Most legal claims have a statute of limitations that requires a party to file a lawsuit within a certain time period. The deadline for suing varies depending on the type of claim. However, these rules can be confusing as seen in a recent decision of the New York Appellate Division, Fourth Department. The Court addressed … Read more

  • Elective Share

    The Ins and Outs of a Spouse’s Elective Share

    Generally, people have broad discretion in deciding how to distribute their assets when they die. However, one limitation in New York is that you cannot disinherit your spouse unless your spouse waived the right to inherit in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. If you improperly exclude your spouse from your will, he or she can … Read more

  • Real Estate Deed

    WHEN IS A DEED NOT A DEED?

    In New York, real property is transferred by the execution and recording of a deed with the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the real property is located. There are different types of deeds and property can be conveyed either in whole or in part. While a deed generally evidences the sale or other … Read more

  • HANDWRITTEN WILL

    CAN YOU PROBATE A HANDWRITTEN WILL IN NEW YORK?

    A handwritten (or holographic) will is not enforceable in all states. However, in certain circumstances, the will may still be probated in a state which does not recognize handwritten wills provided certain requirements are met. A recent New York appellate court decision addressed this issue in the Matter of Noichl.   In states that recognize holographic … Read more

WHEN IS A DEED NOT A DEED?

Real Estate Deed

In New York, real property is transferred by the execution and recording of a deed with the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the real property is located. There are different types of deeds and property can be conveyed either in whole or in part. While a deed generally evidences the sale or other … Read more

CAN YOU PROBATE A HANDWRITTEN WILL IN NEW YORK?

HANDWRITTEN WILL

A handwritten (or holographic) will is not enforceable in all states. However, in certain circumstances, the will may still be probated in a state which does not recognize handwritten wills provided certain requirements are met. A recent New York appellate court decision addressed this issue in the Matter of Noichl.   In states that recognize holographic … Read more