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Multi Generation Family Enjoying Picnic Together
Bernard A. Krooks

Beneficiary Designations for Retirement Accounts

By: Bernard A. Krooks, Certified Elder Law Attorney Estate planning is so much more than filling in the blanks on a few forms that you have printed out from the internet.  In addition to having the proper documents and fiduciaries, you need to make sure that the estate plan is coordinated so that your beneficiary…

Special Education Advocacy

Virtual or Hybrid Learning for Students with Disabilities

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP As we now approach a full year of either virtual or hybrid learning, many parents and students are even more exhausted and overwhelmed than ever. As the future is still uncertain, many parents still have questions and concerns on their child’s progress and access to services. Here…

Couple sitting in garden outside their home
Elder Law & Estate Planning

A Primer on Estate Tax Returns

By Stephanie L. Goldstein, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP When a resident of New York dies with a will in place, the nominated executor must file a petition to probate the will in the Surrogate’s Court to obtain authority to administer the decedent’s estate.  If a resident of New York dies without leaving a proper will,…

Man working on his estate plan on a laptop
Elder Law & Estate Planning

The Pitfalls of an Online Will

By Joel Krooks, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Many companies currently provide people with the opportunity to create a Last Will and Testament and other various legal documents online. These online Wills have various issues that can cause your estate to not be distributed as intended, can create excessive legal fees during the estate administration, and…

Special Education Advocacy

The White House Poet Laureate Inspires All Who Have Unique Learning Needs  

By Marion Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP In our special education advocacy department, we receive inspiration from each of our students. Many indeed use their unique learning and emotional characteristics to reach unexpected heights. Each day, we work with parents with goal of  helping  students to know their strengths and weaknesses so they can flourish…

Special Needs Planning

Supported Decision-Making Promises Greater Autonomy for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

By Sandi Rosenbaum, Special Education/Special Needs Advocate Parents must make important decisions when their child with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) turns 18 and legally becomes an adult.  Should parents apply for guardianship or consider less restrictive measures such as Supported Decision-Making (SDM) and/or have the young adult execute advance directives such as power…

Multi Generation Family In Sand Dunes On Winter Beach
Elder Law & Estate Planning

The Impact of Blended Families on Estate Planning and Litigation

By Laura Brancato, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Comprehensive estate planning is essential for every adult. Your plan should address the needs of all your loved ones at your death, regardless of whether you are single, married or divorced. It is crucial however, to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney if you belong to a…

Portrait of a senior man
Elder Law & Estate Planning

Plan Now to Minimize Impact of Estate and Gift Taxes

By Amy C. O’Hara, CELA It is essential for families with significant wealth to be aware of estate and gift tax limits. An important part of estate planning is making sure that as much of your wealth as possible goes to your heirs rather than to pay taxes. The good news is that both the…

Elder Law & Estate Planning

Changes To The Power of Attorney Regulations in New York State

By Laura Brancato, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Long awaited changes to the New York State Power of Attorney regulations were signed into law by Governor Cuomo on December 15, 2020. The bill, a major overhaul of the existing power of attorney legislation, will substantially change the format and enforceability of the current document in a…

Student with special needs with mom on computer
Special Education Advocacy

Department of Education Issues New Guidelines Addressing Early Intervention Services

The Department of Education emphasizes the importance of flexibility in meeting children’s educational needs. The Department of Education released a document addressing concerns surrounding the availability of Early Intervention Services to infants and toddlers with special needs. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), the state is required to “ensure…