Tanya Hobson-Williams | Queens Attorney

What Happens if You Do Not Have Advance Directives in Place?

Advance directives are an important part of any estate plan, but not everyone has them in place for their future. As a result, they may not be ready for a potential circumstances that could arise requiring their loved ones scrambling to deal with the situations over which no one has control or authority.

Continue reading “What Happens if You Do Not Have Advance Directives in Place?”

Five Signs of a Constructive Eviction to Watch Out For

A “constructive eviction” is the legal term used when someone is forced out of their rented property due to conditions on or in the property making the property unlivable or due to the conditions you have to leave your home and live elsewhere. A constructive eviction is illegal, and a tenant might not be held responsible for unpaid rent during a period where they have been constructively evicted if a judge finds that a constructive eviction occurred. Here are five signs of a constructive eviction you should watch out for:

Continue reading “Five Signs of a Constructive Eviction to Watch Out For”

NYC Landlords Apply for Short-Term Rental “Prohibited Buildings” List

Around 1,500 landlords in New York City have applied for a new “prohibited buildings” list, that would allow them to exclude tenants from participating in short-term rental businesses like Airbnb. Landlords who successfully apply for this list, which became open on March 6, would be able to pass on fines from illegal short-term rentals to the tenants that host them. This is meant to help crack down on the growing trend of tenants renting out their apartments in Airbnbs, which some say has contributed to the issue of a lack of affordable housing.

Continue reading “NYC Landlords Apply for Short-Term Rental “Prohibited Buildings” List”

Five Important Facts About Becoming a Guardian

Obtaining guardianship for a loved one is a dramatic and unpleasant occasion, but it is often an essential step towards protecting a person and ensuring they receive the assistance they need. Unfortunately, many people become guardians without understanding the responsibilities that entails. Here are five things you need to know about becoming a guardian:

Continue reading “Five Important Facts About Becoming a Guardian”

Five Things You Need to Know About Appointing a Trustee

For many people, a trust is an integral part of their estate plan. An essential part of creating a trust is appointing the right Trustee. The Trustee is responsible for ensuring that the purpose of the trust and its terms are carried out. The Trustee is also responsible for ensuring that the trust assets are managed appropriately. Here are five things you should know about appointing a Trustee:

Continue reading “Five Things You Need to Know About Appointing a Trustee”

Rollout of Medicaid Homecare Lookback Rule Delayed Until 2024

According to a recent announcement from the New York State Department of Health, the implementation of a Medicaid homecare “lookback” rule has been delayed until at least March 31, 2024. This delay means that people who might have been ineligible for Medicaid homecare benefits due to the lookback rule may now be able to obtain those benefits. However, anyone intending to apply for Medicaid to cover their homecare costs should begin planning now, to avoid potential legal issues when the rule is finally implemented.

Continue reading “Rollout of Medicaid Homecare Lookback Rule Delayed Until 2024”

New Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Promising Results in Testing

In a recent set of clinical trials announced by the Alzheimer’s Association, it was found that a new drug showed great promise in reducing the cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease. This drug, Lecanemab, has supposedly shown excellent results in treating the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, and could potentially help people with the disease to live longer and healthier lives. However, more testing still needs to be performed to ensure the drug is safe and effective for public use.

Continue reading “New Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Promising Results in Testing”

What Do You Do in the Event of a Constructive Eviction?

A surprising number of people who are currently renting an apartment do not know that they have a legal right to safe and comfortable living conditions. When someone is forced out of their apartment due to poor conditions, it is known as a “constructive” eviction. But what does a constructive eviction look like in practical terms, and what should you do if it happens to you?

Continue reading “What Do You Do in the Event of a Constructive Eviction?”

Protecting a Loved One With Special Needs Through Estate Planning

Anyone who has a loved one with special needs is necessarily concerned about what they can do to ensure their loved one will be cared for if no one is around to assist. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to provide for your loved ones through your estate planning, which can help to protect them legally and financially. Here are five things you can do to protect your loved one with special needs:

Continue reading “Protecting a Loved One With Special Needs Through Estate Planning”

Who Can Benefit From Medicaid Planning?

When people hear “Medicaid planning,” they assume that it is something for people with little or no assets. However, in reality the people who can potentially benefit the most from Medicaid planning are people who may not currently qualify for it due to having significant monthly income, money in the bank or ownership of property. So how do you know if Medicaid planning may be right for you, and what should you do if you want to incorporate it as part of your estate plan?

Continue reading “Who Can Benefit From Medicaid Planning?”