The ABCs of QDROs
When a couple is going through a divorce, one important consideration is the division of assets, which frequently includes retirement assets such as 401(k)s, pensions, and other plans. To effectuate the division of these plans, typically a specific document called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is required. The individual requirements of a QDRO are […]
Top Ten Reasons to have a Will
While none of us like to contemplate our mortality, it is vital to plan for what happens to your assets when you pass away. Not only does a will allow you to distribute your assets according to your wishes, it can legally protect your family and save your family time and money. Here are the […]
Keeping the family Cottage in the Family
We are frequently asked by our clients how to keep the family cottage in the family and structure the ownership and governance of the same to meet their goals. These questions are frequently asked by older owners who are at an age where their assets will begin to pass down to children, grandchildren or other […]
Hotel Syracuse Litigation Illustrates the Requirement that Lenders Must File Building Loan Contracts
The historic Hotel Syracuse in downtown Syracuse was recently the subject of a mortgage foreclosure action which led to litigation involving the priority of the liens against the property. The New York State Court of Appeals case of Altshuler Shaham Provident Funds, Ltd. v. GML Tower LLC (21 N.Y.3d 352), decided in June 2013, illustrates […]
It’s Time To Reconsider IRA Beneficiaries
Have you named your children as beneficiaries of your IRA? Perhaps it is time to re-think that decision. A recent United States Supreme Court ruling raises concerns about asset protection and the designation of IRA beneficiaries. In June the high court unanimously ruled that, under federal law, an IRA that is owned by a beneficiary […]
Being a Residential Landlord – Is it for you?
Being a residential landlord is not always what it’s made out to be on HGTV. Investing in and managing rental real estate can be either a nightmare or a prudent investment. Ensuring the latter takes homework, hard work and the proper due diligence before investing, as well as continued commitment of time and effort. Knowing […]
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Protecting Your Business from Construction Injury Claims
The owners of small businesses that provide general contracting or construction trade services know that workers’ compensation and commercial general liability insurance is expensive. Unless your company has also taken the steps discussed below, all the money spent for those policies may not fully protect your company in the event of a worksite personal injury […]
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License & Registration, Please: The basics of tickets and points in NYS
It’s the middle of summer and many people are hitting the road to their favorite beach, amusement park or a family reunion. However, if en route to your final destination, you find yourself in that unfortunate conversation with a police officer on the side of the road, it’s important to know some basics about Vehicle […]
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Someone Was Injured On My Property . . . Now What Do I Do?
Many people complain that our society has become obsessed with litigation. It seems as though everyone who gets hurt wants to sue, even if the accident was their own fault. You must be prepared in the event someone claims they were hurt on your property. If you ever find yourself the recipient of a complaint […]
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NLRB on College Athletics: Let’s Give them Something to Talk About
A National Labor Relations Board’s (“NLRB”) Decision, dated March 26, 2014, to allow a group of Northwestern University football athletes to vote on whether or not they will be represented by a Union, the College Athletes Players Association (“CAPA”), is being appealed with briefs due this summer. In the meantime, the vote to unionize has occurred and […]
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