Accidents/Personal Injury/Malpractice

When debts becoming overwhelming, it's time to talk to an attorney about bankruptcy and the alternatives available. We are experienced in preparing both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 petitions, as well as dealing with special problems. Bankruptcy consultations are free.

FAQs about Debts and Bankruptcy

New businesses start up every day in America. Whether you're starting a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or one of the new Limited Liability Companies (LLC or LLP), we can help. We also incorporate not-for-profit corporations, religious corporations, and can prepare IRS 501(c)(3)tax exempt applications. 

In New York State, churches are incorporated under the Religious Corporations Law.  Para-church ministries and other charities are usually incorporated under the Not-for Profit Corporations Law. Churches are exempt from most taxes, and contributions to churches are deductible on individual (itemized) income tax returns.  Although it may sometimes be helpful for a church to apply to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status, the typical church is already exempt whether or not it is incorporated and whether or not it has filed an application.  Incorporation is necessary, however, if a church is to own real property. Churches may occasionally encounter legal issues that require the advice or services of a lawyer.  Please feel free to call me if a question arises.

Wills vary from the simple to the complex. For most wills, we try to simplify the process.  Just call and ask. We will send you our simplified will information form from which we will prepare the following: 1) a Will; 2) a Living Will, designating your wishes regarding life support; 3) a Health Care Proxy, appointing an individual to make health care decisions if you are unable; 4) a Power of Attorney, appointing an agent to handle your affairs (Click on the FAQ's link below for details on each of these documents.)  We will submit drafts of these documents for your approval and arrange for you to come in and sign the documents. The cost for a simple will including the additional documents, is $200 for an individual and $250 for a couple. We can also help with more complex estate planning and can arrange for specialized tax counseling if necessary.

Finally, if you do experience the loss of a loved one, we can handle all legal aspects of probate & estate administration including the probating of the will, appointment of an administrator if there is no will, assisting the executor or administrator in handling all estate matters, and accounting and closing the estate. In addition, we have had courtroom experience involving estate litigation and will contests.

FAQ about Wills and Estates

For approximately five years, I headed the matrimonial and family law department in a major Buffalo law firm. A significant part of my current practice involves family law matters. As a general rule, we do not start divorce suits, but we do represent those who are being sued for divorce. We also initiate annulment and separation actions when necessary, and we prepare separation and property settlement agreements. We also handle a variety of post-divorce matters and Family Court proceedings, including support modification and enforcement, paternity proceedings, custody and visitation, child protection proceedings, and family offense cases.

Whether buying or selling your home or commercial property, you will need a lawyer to prepare or examine proper title documents and deal with the other party and the lender. We strongly recommend that any real estate contract be reviewed by an attorney before it's signed. For over two years, I represented the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the sale of property in Western New York. I have also represented a number of building owners in landlord-tenant matters and housing court cases.  A search or title abstract (a multi-page document that traces the history of the property) and a survey (a map or drawing of the property) must be updated by seller's attorney and examined by buyer's attorney.  Sometimes, title insurance is required, either because the mortgage lender requires it or because a defect in the title needs to be insured.  A deed describes and transfers the property.  A closing statement calculates tax and other adjustments for closing.

Out of town buyers of Buffalo property:  Buffalo has been attractive to investors seeking low cost residential property.  Caution!  Be aware of what you are buying.  Speak to someone knowledgeable about the area.  Have the house inspected. Are there pending housing violations?  Are repairs necessary, and do you have a licensed contractor to perform them?  Do you have a local property manager who can secure qualified and reliable tenants? Landlord & Tenant Matters: Leases & rental agreements may be oral, but a well-written agreement is better.  New requirements require 14 days notice for non-payment or 30 days notice for holding over.  Eviction of subsidized tenants require additional special procedures.  Also, sometimes "habitability" can be an issue in an eviction proceeding.