Our readers should be wary of persons who may be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. This issue is defined as a non-lawyer rendering legal advice or drafting legal documents. Section 478 of New York’s Judiciary Law declares that it is unlawful to practice or appear as an attorney…
Often the most significant asset owned by a religious corporation such as a church, synagogue or mosque in New York is real estate. For a variety of reasons, the religious institution may wish to sell, mortgage or lease its property. New York’s Religious Corporation Law prescribes the procedure to be…
A recent article in the New York Times addresses the interesting question of whether a testator (a person who has made a will) can “attach strings” to a bequest (a gift by will of personal property). Wealthy philanthropists have left collections of artwork to museums and have specified conditions on…
Recently, there have been several news stories regarding Yankees’ superstar Alex Rodriguez and his contract. For those unfamiliar with the situation, Rodriguez, who has admitted using performance-enhancing drugs during his tenure with his former team, has been linked to a Florida company that allegedly supplied additional performance-enhancing substances in recent…
New Yorkers who purchase an apartment typically buy what is known as a cooperative (“Co-op”) or condominium (“Condo”). There are important legal distinctions between a cooperative and a condominium that are notable during the purchase process and after the closing of the transaction. This blog post addresses these distinctions. A…
A purchaser of real estate in New York State typically has plenty to evaluate in determining whether to buy a property. Usually the evaluation is limited to the four corners enclosed by the property line. This blog post addresses the matters that are beyond the property line that should concern…
Prevailing law in New York State favors the making of a Last Will and Testament. The person making the Will (called the testator) may leave his property to any person that he chooses. However, those who would inherit if the testator did not make a Will, known as intestacy, have…
Our firm is often asked by clients to handle the purchase or sale of an ongoing business. This business may also be a professional practice, such as a pharmacy, or medical or dental office. There are many legal aspects of such a transaction, which will be discussed in this blog…
Home purchasers in New York State often request warranties in connection with their home purchase. However, depending upon the type of property purchased, warranties on general construction and mechanical systems will not be obtainable. Without an express and separate warranty, any representations made in the contract of sale with respect…
Recent extreme weather conditions in the New York metropolitan area have caused great hardship for many of its residents. We hope that those individuals and families who suffered damage or destruction of their residences are in the process of recovery. This blog post will discuss some of the legal issues…