What is a Special Permit? As discussed in our prior article, New York Zoning Basics: What Landowners Need to Know, zoning ordinances divide the geography of municipalities into smaller and distinct districts, limiting the size of lots and buildings, density of development within those districts. They also prescribe permitted uses of the land and buildings …
What is a Special Permit and When is it Required? Read More »
In New York State, there are two legal proceedings that deal with the appointment of a guardian for an individual who is deemed incapacitated. These proceedings are commenced either under Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) Article 81 or Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) 17-A. While both proceedings largely serve the same purpose, there are significant differences …
Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) Article 81 vs. Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA)
17-A Read More »
It’s all about the kids. It always has been. You fed them, helped them to complete school assignments, taught them to ride their bicycles and to drive, saved for their college educations, and, if they are already adults, counseled them on careers, relationships, and the purchase of their home, and you want to leave them …
What About the Kids?
How we can protect our children through our estate planning Read More »
Medicaid is a publicly funded health insurance program designed for people with low incomes and for adults over age 65, certified blind, or certified disabled individuals. It is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. As such, each state administers its own Medicaid program in accordance with federal requirements but with different eligibility rules …
As an estate planning attorney, I often have clients or their family members ask me about handwritten wills. Some of the questions, I have been asked have been: “My father left a signed piece of paper stating what he wanted to happen to his estate after he passed away; we can file this with the …
When creating an estate plan, parents typically want to treat their children equally. But for wealthy families whose loved ones are struggling with mental or behavioral health issues, a large inheritance may be more detrimental than helpful. How can parents leave an inheritance that will support their beneficiary rather than derail them? The Special Needs …
To view footnote, click on footnote number. Projects or activities that require approvals or permits from a New York State agency or local government are subject to an environmental impact assessment under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). SEQRA is not intended to be a barrier to the approval of a proposed action but …
Navigating the State Environmental Quality Review Process Read More »
For many people, it is not easy to think about the possibility of being incapacitated or in a terminal state. But if that were to happen, it is important that family members and loved ones know what your wishes are. Having your health care and end-of-life wishes documented and in place are not only important …
Overview – Income tax savings: College savings plans, known as 529 plans, derive from Internal Revenue Code Section 529 which provides income tax benefits for college savings. Investments in 529 plans grow tax-free, and withdrawals are not federally taxable. Any person (the account “custodian”) can open a 529 account for a beneficiary, so long as …
In 1971, when Stuart R. Shamberg established the law firm that was the first generation of today’s Hollis Laidlaw & Simon, it was a time of rapid growth and development in Westchester County. A former builder himself, Shamberg quickly became known for representing property owners of all types and sizes seeking to develop their properties. …
Representing Their Clients’ Vision and Protecting Their Property Rights Read More »
