Introduction
On Wednesday, November 18th, 2009, Governor David Paterson signed the Child Passenger Protection Act, also known as “Leandra’s Law,” into effect. “Leandra’s Law” is named for 11-Year old Leandra Rosado, killed in a fatal crash along the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City. The deadly accident involved a drunk driver and several [...]
Leandra’s Law: NY Cracks Down on Drunk Drivers With Kids in Car
Published on November 22, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Up Close and Personal With Debrina Washington: My First Radio Interview
Published on November 20, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Introduction
A radio producer from Hype Media Global’s Community Central TV contacted me to request a radio interview about basic estate planning. My first thought was WOW. Not only was I gratified that I was “the chosen one,” but I also appreciated the opportunity to explain the importance of basic estate planning, along with reasons why many people choose [...]
YouTube Scandal–Grounds for Divorce
Published on November 9, 2009 by Debrina Washington
A New York Appeals Court upheld a ruling in favor of Philip Smith, President of the Shubert Organization, awarding him a divorce from his wife on the basis of cruel and inhuman treatment. The court, specifically, referred to Tricia Smith’s very public YouTube video regarding her separation, as a determining factor for the divorce.
Public Humiliation– Cruel and Inhuman Treatment
The Court of [...]
No Seriously, 20 Year Olds Can Die Too!
Published on October 28, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Last week, my blog took a more humorous tone. I’m switching gears and tone this week, partially because I want to discuss a serious matter and partially because I had a tough week. Today, I won’t site any case law or relevant statutes. All I have to offer today is life experience.
You see, this week [...]
Single? Of Course You Don’t Need an Estate Plan
Published on October 13, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Introduction
Time and time again, I’ve heard single people say “I don’t have a large family or much property, I don’t need an estate plan.” I have to be honest, prior to the birth of my son, I thought the exact same way. Admittedly, it took me a year after my son’s birth to complete my [...]
You Got Served.. Service of Process in “No Man’s Land”
Published on October 7, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Firstly, I don’t mean to imply that anywhere but the United States is considered “No Man’s Land”, however, when one must figure out how to serve a NY divorce summons and complaint to a Defendant in a foreign country, the process may become quite daunting and confusing.
What may seem like a simple, uncontested divorce may get [...]
Swine Flu 2009: A Guide for Small Businesses
Published on October 1, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Introduction:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) developed a booklet for small businesses, entitled “Planning for 2009 H1n1 Influenza “A Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses” to encourage businesses to develop a written plan to assist businesses through a possible H1Ni epidemic. In the Guide’s introduction, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, writes:
“Small Businesses are often the [...]
Top Companies for Working Moms
Published on September 29, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Working Mother magazine named the best U.S. Companies for working mothers. Despite the economic climate, some companies have decided to continue to support family-friendly programs and in fact, some companies have allocated more money than previous years to support their family- friendly programs. Such a gesture makes quite a statement on those working moms, seeking [...]
Vacation Without the Kids? Wait, Don’t Forget To…
Published on September 24, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Appoint a Temporary Guardian and Execute a Temporary, Limited Power of Attorney (POA), of course! Oh, and don’t forget to lock all of the doors.
If you managed to convince someone to watch your little ones, while you secure yourself some much needed adult time, first of all, Congrats! Secondly, you should execute a temporary POA, [...]
New York’s Statutory Major Gifts Rider
Published on September 20, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Introduction
In conjunction with the amendments to the New York Power of Attorney, effective as of September 1st 2009, previously discussed in detail here, the New York State government enacted a mechanism for a principal to grant an agent the power to transfer gifts to a beneficiary. The New Power of Attorney controls the handling of the principal’s general affairs, while the Statutory Major Gifts Rider (SMGR) [...]