What Actually Kills Long Island Home Closings: The Deal-Killers Ranked by How Often They Strike

Long Island Real Estate Data Brief What Actually Kills Long Island Home Closings: The Deal-Killers Ranked Long Island home closings fall apart in predictable ways, and the data proves it. National surveys show that roughly one in five contracts hits a settlement delay in a rough stretch, and around six percent die before the table. […]
How to Choose an Attorney You Can Actually Talk To: What 48% of Clients Already Know

From the Desk of Shari Lee Sugarman, Esq. How to Choose an Attorney You Can Actually Talk To: What 48% of Clients Already Know If you are wondering how to choose an attorney, the data points somewhere most people do not expect: the people you already trust. Nearly half of legal clients find their lawyer […]
Spring Into the Market — And Get Ahead of the Curve

🌸A Note from ShariThere’s something about spring that just clicks for me. The days get longer, the energy shifts, and suddenly everyone is ready to move — literally and figuratively. After a winter of planning, dreaming, and “maybe next year” conversations, spring is when things happen. And honestly? That’s my favorite time to be a […]
FDCPA Violations in New York: 7 Debt Collector Tactics That Cross the Line
Debt collection is a common part of the financial system, but it is strictly regulated under federal law. Unfortunately, many consumers in New York still face aggressive, misleading, or outright illegal behavior from debt collectors. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting yourself. If you are dealing with repeated calls or questionable collection […]
LLC Operating Agreement Checklist for Long Island Business Owners
Forming a limited liability company in Long Island is an important step toward building a legally protected business. However, many business owners overlook one of the most critical documents required under New York law: the LLC operating agreement. This document does far more than satisfy a legal requirement. It defines how your business operates, how […]
Estate Planning Tips to Avoid, or Simplify, Probate in New York State

You’ve probably heard some horror stories about how long it takes someone to be appointed the fiduciary of an estate. It’s true. Probate can be stressful and time consuming at the least. We’ve seen some estates take years before someone gets appointed as the fiduciary (this is not typical, it shouldn’t take more than a […]
Per Diem Court Coverage in Nassau & Suffolk: What to Send Before the Appearance

You have two conferences scheduled at the same time in different courthouses. A client emergency pulls you away from a routine appearance. A family matter means you cannot make the 9:30 calendar call in Riverhead. Every attorney practicing in Nassau and Suffolk counties knows these situations. The question is not whether you will need […]
Power of Attorney in New York: What Long Island Families Should Know

Imagine a sudden illness lands you in the hospital. Or an unexpected accident leaves you unable to communicate. Who pays your mortgage? Who talks to your doctors? Who makes sure your children are cared for? For Long Island families, these questions carry real weight. Without the right legal documents in place, your loved ones […]
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts in New York State

It’s been a while since we’ve touched on the basics of trusts and some people have been asking for a basic primer on the different types of trusts and what would be the best use of a trust for their specific situations.
Why Every Long Island College Student Needs a Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney

When your child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult. This exciting milestone comes with new freedoms, but also important legal changes many parents don’t realize until it’s too late. Under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), parents lose automatic access to their adult child’s medical records. And once your child is no longer […]