Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is An Out-Of-State Will Still Recognized As Valid In New York?
America is a mobile society. According to data from The New York Times, approximately 40 percent of people nationwide live in a different state than the one that they were born in. You may be wondering: Is my will still valid if I moved to New York? The general answer is “yes”—though it is… Read More »
Special Needs Planning In New York: Your Guide To ABLE Accounts
People with special needs require specialized consideration in estate planning. Many people with special needs receive public benefits throughout Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or other government programs. Here is the challenge: These programs are strictly means-tested— a special needs person who has too much income or assets may not qualify. Leaving money or… Read More »
Providing For A Pet In An Estate Plan: A Guide To Pet Trusts In New York
According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Americans collectively own approximately 140 million pets. For many, pets become true members of the family. If your pet is important to you, it is worth considering them as part of your estate plan. In New York State, a pet trust is an option… Read More »
When, How, And Why To Use A HIPAA Release As Part Of Your Estate Plan
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of sensitive medical records. It requires doctors, medical providers, and insurers to keep records private. A HIPAA release is an estate planning tool that people can use to allow trusted family members and/or loved ones to access their… Read More »
Long-Term Care Planning In New York: What Is A Medicaid Spend Down?
Long term care planning is an essential part of estate planning. There may come a day when you, your spouse, or your loved one needs significant supportive care. Long term care is extremely expensive. According to data from U.S. News and World Reports, the median annual cost of a private room in a nursing… Read More »
The Impacts Of Zoning Ordinances In Real Estate Transactions
If you are considering buying a new home or business property in New York, this can be a thrilling but confusing process at times. Such a huge decision means you have to get all the details right to protect your investment in the long term. Purchasing real estate isn’t just a matter of finding… Read More »
What To Know About Short-Term Rentals And Homeowners Association Conflicts
Short-term property rental services such as VRBO, Airbnb, Home Away, and other online or app-based tools have exploded in popularity over the last 10 years. Some property owners advertising homes for short-term rentals are everyday homeowners that are simply trying to make some extra money with their vacation home or seasonal property. Many others,… Read More »
5 Reasons To Have An Attorney When Purchasing Real Estate
Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases a person will make in their lives. With this comes joy and exhilaration but also stress and anxiety. After all, so much money is at stake and it is hard to undo a mistake if the buyer makes the wrong purchase. Any number of problems… Read More »
What To Know About Property Inspections In Commercial Property Sales
Anybody that has bought a home understands the importance of property inspections before sales are closed. A residential home inspection can reveal important details about the condition of a property, including issues that could become deal breakers. The inspection can also help both sides negotiate a final sale price, accounting for issues that might… Read More »
How To Deal With Boundary Disputes In A New York Real Estate Transaction
When purchasing real estate in New York, the seller has certain duties to disclose facts about the property. Typically, this includes details and issues about the home itself, and everything within the “four corners” of the property’s boundaries. What happens, though, when the four corners of a property’s boundary aren’t where we think they… Read More »