Author: Tanya Hobson-Williams

Appointed to the bench by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and elected in 2009, Tanya Hobson-Williams was the first African-American Female Justice in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. Tanya Hobson–Williams obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics from St. John's University and her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Tanya Hobson-Williams has an active elder law practice assisting senior citizens in obtaining Medicaid for Home Care and Nursing Home Care. She routinely lectures at senior citizen centers, assisted living facilities, law schools and counsels families on a variety of topics of concerns to families caring for the elderly.

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Fight Over Murdoch Trust Reveals Estate Planning Issues

A legal fight over the family trust of media mogul Rupert Murdoch has resulted in a surprising loss for the billionaire, which could have significant implications for his family and his business empire. Murdoch, the owner of numerous television and newspaper companies, wanted to change the trust to favor one of his children over the others. However, he has lost the battle, showing the importance of proper and timely estate planning.

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Why Might You Need to Hire a Landlord-Tenant Lawyer?

While not everyone has a contentious relationship with their landlord, there is always the chance that they will face some kind of significant legal issue related to their apartment. When this happens, it is typically a good idea to hire a lawyer with experience handling disputes between landlords and their tenants. But why exactly might you need to hire a landlord-tenant lawyer?

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Understanding Your Right to Your Security Deposit

Under New York law, every tenant is entitled to have their security deposit returned to them after the end of their lease, unless it has been used to pay for repairs. Despite this, tenants often struggle to get their security deposit back from their landlords. What does it mean to have a right to your security deposit back, and what can you do when your landlord refuses to cooperate and give it back?

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What is a Good Cause Eviction in New York?

New York State recently implemented a new law known as the Good Cause Eviction Law, which went into effect on April 20, 2024. This law substantially changed the rules regarding evictions across the state, making it harder for landlords to excessively increase rent or force tenants out of their apartments without good reason. But what exactly is a “good cause” eviction, and how might that impact you?

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Five Things You Need to Know About the Right to Quiet Enjoyment

The right to quiet enjoyment is one of the fundamental rights that all tenants possess. Thanks to this essential legal doctrine, you can enjoy your apartment without unexpected intrusions. Here are five things you should know about the right to quiet enjoyment:

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How Can Your Lease Agreement Protect You?

Tenants often see their lease as somewhat one-sided, intended to protect landlords and ensure they receive their rent. However, every lease is mutually binding, and most offer legal protections for tenants who get into a dispute with their landlord. But how exactly can your lease agreement protect you, and what should you do if your landlord violates your lease?

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Five Important Things You Should Know About Living Wills

Depending on your exact circumstances, a living will can be an important part of your estate plan. It can make your wishes clear to your loved ones and your doctors, ensuring you receive the care you would want if you can no longer make your own healthcare decisions. Here are five important things you need to know about living wills:

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What Should You Do if Your Apartment is Uninhabitable?

One of the primary duties of a landlord should be to ensure that his/her property is safe and comfortable for tenants. Unfortunately, some landlords fail to keep up with this responsibility, resulting in their apartments becoming unsafe. But what exactly should you do if your apartment becomes uninhabitable?

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Landlords Bemoan Longer Evictions From Good Cause Law

After the passage of New York’s “good cause” law back in April, landlords have increasingly complained about longer times for eviction lawsuits. This law grants tenants additional rights that help protect them against eviction, but litigating these cases can sometimes take over a year. As a result, landlords have shown anger at tenants sometimes staying in their apartments for months without paying rent, or while otherwise in violation of their leases.

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How Can You Be Illegally Evicted From Your Apartment?

In New York State, you cannot be legally evicted from your apartment without your landlord seeking permission from the court to do so. In order to get around this process, some landlords will engage in illegal practices to force tenants out of their apartments. But how exactly can you be illegally evicted from your apartment, and what should you do if that happens to you?

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