Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
New York Elder Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Probate for New York on
Q: Mother has passed. My sister wants to be co administrator. Mom lived with me, can my sister enter my home to take items?

My mom signed a paper saying that she wants me to have all items of hers left in the home. Because she gave the rest of her children what she wanted them to have when she was alive and knew that they would give me a hard time. How can I protect myself, I know they want to be spiteful because mom... View More

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on May 10, 2021

No one can enter your home without consent. That being said, you may not be entitled ultimately to all items.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for New York on
Q: I’m caregiver/longtime (40 years) companion for a man w/advanced cancer. He’s verbally abusing/lyin about me. What do I

He told palliative care nurse that I’m stealing from his bank account. I have Power of Attorney but haven’t touched his $. He fell out of bed & has bruises. I’m afraid I’ll be accused of elder abuse. What protections do I have. Can I refuse to let him come back to the home we live in... View More

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 4, 2021

The question of what you can or should do is not something that can be answered that easily. You should consult with an attorney, who can get the information necessary to properly guide you. Questions you should be prepared to answer will include what your relationship is to the man and who is the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for New York on
Q: I live in NY State. I want to create a Durable POA. I read the law in NY is changing and the new law will be in

effect only after 6/21/2021. Should I wait until then to create the POA?

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 5, 2021

It depends what you want the POA for. If you sign it now it remains effective after the new law takes effect. You can always sign a new one later.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Elder Law and Divorce for New York on
Q: NYC dept of health denied request for birth certificate stating first name has one letter different than legal name.

What law requires a senior citizen to change the name on their birth certificate to match current name ?

Why is name on social security not considered legal name?

Howard E. Knispel
PREMIUM
Howard E. Knispel
answered on Feb 3, 2021

You can file a petition to change your name with the court. It is a relatively simple form that you can download from the court website. As for divorced people, every NY divorce judgement includes an order allowing the person to change their name back to their previous name.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Probate for New York on
Q: If I lived with mom, was her caregiver for 18 yrs, and paid for improvements in her house, can't I be paid for it now?

Mom needed 24/7 monitoring, and frequent trips to Drs and treatment. I worked from home to care for her. She died in 2015 and now I must sell the house and split the proceeds with my sister who never visited or cared for mom. I also paid for new appliances, a front porch, a whole house generator... View More

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 16, 2021

You may be entitled to credits for the improvements. However, if you had no caregiver agreement while she was alive you would not be entitled to compensation.

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for New York on
Q: Does a will have power over asset distribution if beneficiary is not listed on broker's beneficiary list?

Family member A has Family member B as beneficiary in their will. Family member A's financial advisor has Family member C as beneficiary. What entity take precedence upon death of Family member A's death?

Elaine Shay
PREMIUM
Elaine Shay
answered on Jan 13, 2021

Generally, a Will only has power to dispose of assets owned by the decedent after death. Therefore, an asset such as an investment account that has specific instructions designating disposition of the asset upon death controls.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Health Care Law for New York on
Q: How can I get help to obtain Power of Attorney for my Mom that is currently in and out of a nursing home and hospital?

My Mom went to the emergency room in the beginning of October, her blood pressure was high,,the next thing I know, she has been intubated, and from then on, she has not been able to return home.

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 4, 2020

To sign a Power of Attorney, your Mom must be able to understand what she is signing and its impact. If she suffers from dementia, Alzheimer's or a mental infirmity and is unable to understand, you would have to bring a Guardianship proceeding to assume control of her property and/or personal... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Elder Law and Probate for New York on
Q: Estate Law Question I am a beneficiary for two properties of my late relatives.

I am a beneficiary for two properties. One of the properties I currently live in and the deed is half in my name. The other half is in my late relatives name. The second property I am owed half from the sale of the administrator. No wills were left from my late relatives. I went to mediation and... View More

Victor M. Feraru
Victor M. Feraru
answered on Dec 1, 2020

Did you go at this along, representing yourself? I need a lot more information before I can give you a better answer. There are too many what if's.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate for New York on
Q: Daughter has POA for mom, brother has letter of administration for same property. How do we sell home in NYC?

If we do find a buyer, are 2 different checks cut...one in my decease dad’s name and one in my living mother’s name? Please reply only if you are familiar with NY state laws. My POA is for my mom who is still living. The letter of administration is for my deceased father.

Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo
answered on Oct 17, 2020

A power of attorney ceases to have any effect upon the death of the person granting the power of attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Probate for New York on
Q: In NY state is a durable power of attorney that has been signed by two witnesses but not notarized valid?

The Principal is currently incapacitated. Principal and agent signed and 2 witnesses signed.

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Sep 30, 2020

No. The form must be completed as required.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Health Care Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: When an adult relative moves into my rent-stabilized unit, what do I say if the landlord asks how long they'll be here?

I'm an age 72 disabled senior who has lived in my rent-stabilized apartment In NYC for over 30 years. Before Covid, I rented my second bedroom to college students from Japan to defray my monthly expenses. I have built up rent arrears this year because I've not been able to rent to foreign... View More

Elaine Shay
PREMIUM
Elaine Shay
answered on Sep 15, 2020

The landlord appears to have no basis to ask you how long your new housemate may be staying with you. In NYC you are entitled to have a roommate even without your landlord's permission. Although the landlord may have inquired because of the Covid-19 crisis, it is perhaps even more likely you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for New York on
Q: My father is in a long term rehabilitation center and we have applied for medicaid for only him and not my mom.

How do we protect their house? Do we put the house under my moms name only? Thank you.

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 8, 2020

Now that you have applied for Medicaid your options are limited. You should speak with a Medicaid Planning attorney as soon as possible.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Elder Law for New York on
Q: Need assistance on Filing A Nullity of Marriage. How do I start?

I was Married 05/20/2000

My Husband didn't divorce

His first wife until 2008. This was 8 years after we are together. He left me in February 2007. My Marriage is not valid, and I need it nullified.

He had a stroke last year, and I went back to assist him, because no... View More

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 7, 2020

As long as you have all the documentation to support that he was still married when you entered into the marriage contract, you will be able to get it annulled. You must start an action in court and should have an attorney assist you. Matrimonial/Divorce attorneys and Estate Planning attorneys,... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for New York on
Q: How does NY State intestate laws if only asset is a home and spouse and children are living?

Dad has been dead many years. 3 kids, mom still living. Only asset is one house in NYC. How much does mom get if we sell home after intestate is completed by the court?

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 2, 2020

The laws of the state where Dad was last a resident will apply. If he was a resident of New York and died without a Will, assets are split 50% to surviving spouse and the other 50% to surviving children.

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for New York on
Q: My deceased aunt left a Will. If I submit a Petition to Surrogate Court will I be able to access her banking info?

I live in Georgia and she lived in New York. I am the Executor of the will if appointed voluntary administrator is that all I need to carry out duties as Executor and will I be able to access banking info and have access to her apartment.

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Jul 16, 2020

Yes, you will.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for New York on
Q: Can a nursing home in NYS take a medicaid patient's stimulus check?

The check is made out to the nursing home, for the patient's care. The check came to us (power of attorney). Can we insist it be applied to her personal account, or can the nursing home take it just as they take most of her Social Security to pay for her care?

Sharon M. Siegel
Sharon M. Siegel
answered on Jun 5, 2020

If you want to apply it to the patient's care, this is allowed. However, a facility cannot just take the check without your permission.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: I lost my place of residence as well as all my possessions in a fire. I was renting from my employer.

Am I entitled to any compensation ? I cannot work at this time.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 11, 2020

I'm sorry for your difficult situation. A landlord-tenant attorney could advise best here, but your post remains open for three weeks. At this point, you have probably already explored whether there was an insurance policy in effect to cover for the fire loss. If not, that is something to do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Elder Law and Probate for New York on
Q: My mother lives in Florida, my brother in Virginia and I live in NY. When mom lived in NY I was herPOA and co executor

Long story short she moved to Fl to be closer to my brother ( he lived there at the time) and for the weather. Moms health isn’t always the best. He took a job and moved to VA about 2 years later. He handed he major investments, he did some foolish things with her money, “ he “bailed”her... View More

Nina Whitehurst
PREMIUM
Nina Whitehurst pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 4, 2020

Start by reporting the suspected financial abuse of an elder to the Adult Protective Services agency closest to your mother.

Beyond that, you will need to find a fiduciary litigation attorney to sue your brother to have him removed as your mother's attorney in fact and to return the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for New York on
Q: My adult son is intellectually disabled.Can I continue to get him medical treatment in NY without becoming his guardian?

From my understanding he is presumed to be capable of providing informed consent. It also looks like if it was ever determined that he can't provide informed consent, I would still be able to take him to doctor visits as per FHCDA or OPWDD law. Also, he lives with me and is 29.

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 1, 2020

It will depend upon the type and extent of his disability. If he is capable, he should sign a health care proxy. If he is incapable of making decisions for himself you should apply for Guardianship.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Health Care Law for New York on
Q: CDPAP, if PA's are independent contractors, why do FI's withhold taxes? CDPAPvs. Zucker,10/11/19, what was decided?

In the matter of CDPAPvs. Zucker,10/11/19

in layman's terms, what was decided?

Does this decision affect the status of the PA as an independent contractor vs. an employee?

Benjamin Z. Katz
PREMIUM
Benjamin Z. Katz pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 14, 2020

The court found that the Department of Health did not follow proper procedure in changing the way FIs are paid for services provided under CDPAP. Because they didn’t, the change was voided and they had to go back to the reimbursement method prior to 7/1/19.

This had nothing to do with...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.