The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was originally passed in 1990 with the intention of ensuring Americans with disabilities have access to the public accommodations that everyone else enjoys. The law does this by requiring employers, government agencies, and anyone who provides goods and services to the public to make reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. However, there are two kinds of entities that are broadly exempted from these requirements: private clubs and religious organizations. Continue reading “The Religious Exemption to the ADA”
The Obligations of Incorporation
If you choose to incorporate your business or organization, you may think the worst of it is filing the articles of incorporation (or, of course, filing your taxes). You may think your corporation protects you from financial and legal liability. However, corporations have additional requirements that other kinds of businesses don’t, and if you’re not diligent about fulfilling them, there can be serious legal consequences. Continue reading “The Obligations of Incorporation”
New York Advanced Care Directives
When thinking of estate planning, many people think only about drafting a will. But a comprehensive estate plan can include many components, such as advanced health care directives. Advanced health care directives are legal documents aimed at ensuring a person’s wishes are being fulfilled even when they are unable to make an independent decision due to their advanced age or poor health. Many people may be familiar with an advanced directive known as a Do Not Resuscitate order, however this article will focus on two other common forms of advanced care directives in New York State: living wills and health care proxies. Continue reading “New York Advanced Care Directives”
The Rights of Shareholders
Many people buy and sell stock in companies every day, but most of them are more interested in the short-term profit to be made from trading stocks, rather than the rights they gain from owning those stocks. However, if you’re a long-term investor, or just someone interested in corporate governance, it can be helpful to know what those stocks give you, aside from some cash when they’re sold on the stock market. Continue reading “The Rights of Shareholders”
Corporate Personhood, Explained
Some people have joked about the idea of corporations being people. It sounds like a ridiculous enough statement, and on its face, it is; a business is not a human being, no matter how generously you stretch the definition of either. However, legally speaking, it’s true that corporations are people (sort of), and if you’re running your own corporation, it can help to understand how corporate personhood works. Continue reading “Corporate Personhood, Explained”
Incorporation: Should You Register In Delaware or New York?
When starting a business, incorporation can be an exciting step. But when taking this step, many individuals may ask whether incorporating in Delaware is more advantageous than New York. The real answer is “it depends.” Knowing the difference between the incorporation processes of the two states is important in making that decision. Businesses differ, so weighing the pros and cons of each state will help you find the right venue to register in.
Continue reading “Incorporation: Should You Register In Delaware or New York?”
How to Qualify for Tax Exempt Status
Religious organizations do a great deal of good in the world, and the tax code recognizes that by allowing churches and other religious organizations to obtain tax-exempt status. Sometimes referred to as 501(c)(3) religious organizations (in reference to the section of the federal tax code that governs charitable organizations), these religious organizations are at the heart of charity and religious life in the United States. However, tax-exempt status isn’t automatic, and it isn’t unconditional, and there are a few things you’ll need before you can get it.
Aretha Franklin Found to Have Multiple Handwritten Wills
Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” may be one of the greatest musical artists of the 20th century, but her estate planning leaves much to be desired. According to Fox Business, after she died, her estate was searched for any sign of a will. Unfortunately, there were multiple wills located, all handwritten, and all have been submitted to the probate court to determine their veracity and admissibility.
Continue reading “Aretha Franklin Found to Have Multiple Handwritten Wills”
PropertyShark: Tribeca is the Most Expensive Neighborhood in NYC
According to PropertyShark, Tribeca was No. 1 among the 50 most expensive neighborhoods in New York City during the first quarter of 2019. The median home sale price in that area was $4.2 million. SoHo was a distant second with a median price of $2.9 million. Rounding out the Top 10 were the Garment District ($2.5 million), Hudson Square ($2.4 million), Flatiron District ($2.1 million), Theatre District-Times Square ($1.7 million), Central Midtown, Columbia Street Waterfront District and DUMBO (all at $1.5 million) and Carroll Gardens ($1.4 million). Continue reading “PropertyShark: Tribeca is the Most Expensive Neighborhood in NYC”
Survey Finds Family Conflict Is the Leading Threat to Estate Planning
A survey of estate planners recently released by TD Wealth found that the No. 1 threat to estate planning for the second consecutive year is family conflict. Forty-six percent said it was the leading challenge, followed by market volatility (24 percent) and tax reform (14 percent). Continue reading “Survey Finds Family Conflict Is the Leading Threat to Estate Planning”
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