Among the flurry of changes that occurred in the past weeks, was the issuance of Executive Orders which permit, temporarily, notaries and witnesses to carry out their functions remotely through audio visual technology. While there may be some circumstances in which remote witnessing is essential, at Berwitz & DiTata LLP, we encourage you to let...
Signing your health care proxy is just the beginning. Don’t stop there if you want it to protect you to the fullest. First, speak to the person whom you have selected to serve as your agent. Tell your agent that you have appointed them to this important role. Describe the circumstances under which they will...
The writing is on the wall: My parent is no longer safe living at home. Maybe she has forgotten to turn off the stove or has skipped meals entirely because she simply did not remember to eat. Maybe he is no longer showering or changing clothes. Perhaps he has a history of falling – sometimes...
Berwitz & DiTata LLP Is Fully Operational During COVID-19 We hope this message finds you and your family well during these difficult times. We will continue to be here for you to ensure that your issues and concerns are addressed as smoothly as possible, however we have adjusted how we conduct business in these unprecedented...
We have many clients who divide their time between New York and another state, often Florida. If you spend significant time in two different states, there may be a question as to where you actually reside. The question is more complicated than where you spend the most time — and the answer can really matter....
In our summer issue of A Step Ahead, we discussed the differences between two pieces of legislation each of which would, if enacted, have far-reaching affects on retirement accounts: one that had passed in the House of Representatives, the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act,” also called the SECURE Act, and the other...
The Social Security Administration will be issuing new Medicare cards. This is because the Medicare number in the old system was based on Social Security numbers (SSN). Recent legislation requires the removal of the SSN from the Medicare card to protect against the risk of identity theft. Beginning this year, the SSN will be replaced...
Pets are frequently overlooked in the aftermath of an accident or death. Sometimes pets are only discovered days after a tragedy. Many of our clients and friends have never considered what would happen to their pets if something unexpected happened to them. What can you do to protect your pet’s future? While pet owners...
Grieving family members are usually not in the best state of mind to be making financial decisions. This is exactly what they must do when a loved one dies. It’s easy to let emotions, and costs, get out of control. Currently, although this may change, funerals are not something that we can shop for...
In our last issue we discussed the inheritance rights of adopted children who later found biological family through DNA testing. With the increasing popularity of DNA testing, connecting with lost relatives is becoming easier. These connections can affect your own estate plan but also your obligations if you serve as the fiduciary of another’s estate....
