With the housing market oscillating from a buyer’s market to a buyer’s nightmare throughout the pandemic, many are optimistic that 2023 will give buyers some more leverage as mortgage rates start to cool off from what they were in 2021 ...
Read More »Commentary: Life estate deeds in estate planning
With a rise in the value of land over the past decade, one’s largest asset oftentimes ends up being their home. While a last will and testament usually cover the transfer of title of real estate upon death, life estate ...
Read More »Commentary: Can moving out before a divorce cause problems?
Depending on your living situation, children, and the conditions of a divorce, you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse may consider moving out of the shared home before the divorce is finalized. Leaving the house might seem like the best thing to ...
Read More »Commentary: Recent labor and employment changes affect NY employers: What you need to know
By now, many of us have put 2022 out of our minds and are forging ahead into the new year. As we do so, it is essential for employers to understand labor and employment law changes that could affect them ...
Read More »Commentary: Case examines balance between trademark protection, First Amendment rights
The Supreme Court recently agreed to review a somewhat novel case involving potential trademark infringement and the First Amendment. VIP Products, LLC v. Jack Daniels Properties, Inc., No. 22-148. VIP Products manufactured and sold a series of rubber dog toys ...
Read More »Commentary: NY school districts required to replace Native American mascots or obtain tribe approval
The New York State Education Department recently issued a letter stating that public school districts must “affirmatively commit to replacing [their] Native American team name[s], logo[s], and/or imagery by the end of the 2022-23 school year” unless they obtain approval ...
Read More »Commentary: Justice for domestic violence survivors
Studies show that a shocking “9 out of 10 incarcerated women have experienced severe physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes; 6 out of 10 experienced serious physical or sexual violence during childhood; 75% suffered severe physical violence by an ...
Read More »Commentary: What are the requirements for prenuptial agreements in New York?
Getting married is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to understand that this is not just a union of two people but an economic partnership as well. Marrying couples in New York may want to ...
Read More »Commentary: Navigating different obligations of next year’s state privacy statutes
Businesses have a limited amount of time remaining to prepare for various comprehensive privacy laws that will take effect next year. Five states have comprehensive privacy laws that will take effect: California (update to existing law), Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut and ...
Read More »Commentary: How sports betting has impacted New Yorkers’ family relationships
Gambling on sporting events was taken over by New York organized crime in the mid-20th century. If you wanted to place a bet on sports, you had to contact a bookmaker, today called a bookie. The dictionary definition of “bookie” ...
Read More »Commentary: Penalties and punishments for weapons charges in New York
The state of New York has some of the most restrictive weapon laws in the country, and New York City has codified even more severe restrictions. If you are facing a criminal weapons charge, or if you just have questions ...
Read More »Commentary: Tips for divorced or separated parents worried about paying for child’s college education
One of the most significant events in a young person’s life is the decision to go to college. However, if you are a divorced or separated parent, you might be uncertain about what obligations may exist to cover the cost ...
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