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Author Archives: Maurice J. Verrillo

Splitting Business Interests When You Split with Your Spouse

If you own all or part of a business enterprise and you’re getting divorced, your stake in the company may be not be yours to keep. Your spouse may be entitled to an equitable share of your ownership, even if he or she played no part in acquiring or running the business. The key question […]

Enforcing Child Custody and Visitation Rights in New York

Child custody and visitation disputes are common during and after a divorce. Society generally favors having minor children maintain a close relationship with both parents, even when they live in separate households. Unless otherwise ordered by a court, people have a right to see their minor children. However, enforcing those rights can be challenging. In […]

“Less Is More” Law Brings Major Reform of New York Parole System

In September 2021, New York adopted a new law that significantly changes parole policies and procedures in the state. Known as the “Less Is More Act,” the law aims to reduce incarceration rates in the state and to make the parole system more fair and just for everyone involved and for the public at large. […]

New Law Requires NY Judges to Consider Pets’ “Best Interests” in Deciding on Possession

New York has recently passed a law that greatly affects how household pets are treated in divorce cases. Judges are now required “to consider the best interest of a companion animal” in deciding which of the divorcing spouse takes possession. This is a significant development in New York domestic relations law and might be an […]

How to Write a Will That Can Survive a Probate Contest

A will is an essential part of estate planning. It contains your core instructions for the management and distribution of your property upon your death. However, even a carefully written will may be subject to challenge by your heirs or other interested parties. With this in mind, you can take certain steps designed to ensure […]

Common Vacation Accidents and the Injuries They Cause

People enjoying themselves on vacation are likely to be more relaxed, less cautious and consequently more prone to accidents. In addition, recreational activities can present special hazards that a vacationer is not accustomed to. Therefore, an ounce of caution goes a long way towards minimizing the risk of injury. Whether traveling or spending time at […]

Defending Yourself Against a Hate Crime Charge in New York

A hate crime is one that is motivated by a victim’s perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation. When an offense is classified as a hate crime, the law provides for greater levels of punishment, known as penalty enhancements. New York hate crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies, […]

New York’s New Simplified Power of Attorney: How it Can Work for You

A new law taking effect in June 2021 makes it easier for New Yorkers to prepare and execute powers of attorney to delegate the handling of financial and legal matters to an agent. The law will make it easier for people to use POAs for multiple purposes, such as estate planning. Under prior law, the […]

How Easing of COVID Rules is Affecting the NY Family Courts

As COVID-19 swept the country, court operations in New York came to a virtual standstill under lockdown orders. In-person trials, conferences and hearings were postponed indefinitely. Despite the innovative use of videoconferencing technology for some proceedings, case dockets swelled as new cases were being filed and older cases were on hold. Now, as schools, restaurants […]

Pros and Cons of Revocable Living Trusts in Estate Planning

A revocable living trust can be an effective method of distributing property to your intended beneficiaries without need of a probate proceeding. A trust is traditionally an agreement between two parties — the grantor and the trustee — directing how property is to managed and for whose benefit. But a living trust allows you be […]

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