Thursday, April 30, 2015

Are You Following Us On Social Media?

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Are you follow the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober on all of our social pages?  We're live on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube!  Connect with us for legal tips, local news, and information about our practice!

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Understanding Wills: Frequently Asked Questions

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Do you have a will in place?  Although it's not a topic we all like to dwell on, wills are an important part of making sure that your assets are properly distributed after you pass away.  Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding wills, according to the American Bar Association.

What Does a Will Do?
A will provides instructions on how to distribute your property after you pass away.  With a will, you can dispose of property as you choose.  By reviewing your beneficiary designations, you can determine who will receive your properties after your death.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If you do not have a will in place, New York State laws dictate how your assets are distributed and who receives your property by default.  In many cases, the assets will be distributed to spouses and children.  Many people are not happy with the state's predetermined plan, and prefer to have a plan that suits their personal preferences. 

What Does a Will NOT do?
Wills do not govern non-probate properties.  This includes real estate and other assets owned with rights of survivorship.  Similarly, IRAs and insurance policies payable to  named beneficiary pass on to said person regardless of what is state in your will.

How Do You Excute (Sign) a Will?
All wills need to be signed in the presence of a witness.  Our attorneys are here to help you through the process and make preparing and executing your will simple.

What is a Living Will?
Living wills are a written expression of how you want to be treated in certain medical circumstances.  This can include life-sustaining treatments in hte event you are terminally ill or injured.  This document gives you the opportunity to determine in advance whether you wish to be provided with food and water via intravenous devices and to give other medical instructions that dictate how you wish to be cared for.

Read more FAQs regarding wills and estate planning on the American Bar Association website.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

What to Do When You've Forgotten Your Driver's License

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Forgetfulness can sometimes get the better of us. If you've left your driver's license at home, don't panic.  This traffic violation is simple to correct.

In NY, forgetting to carry your driver's license while driving your vehicle generally leads to a "fix-it ticket."  In this case, you just need to later show proof that you have fixed the violation and have the citation dismissed by the traffic court.  

If your license is suspended or revoked, the consequences can be more serious.  Depending on your charge, it might be considered a misdemeanor.  Fortunately, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate through the legal system and determine what the best option will be for you.

Read more about what to do when you've forgotten your license here.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Family-Friendly Weekend Events on Long Island

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com


It may not feel like spring today, but May is right around the corner.  Looking for something fun to do with your family this weekend?  There are plenty of fun events happening across Long Island.

Weekend Events:

Arbor Day Family Festival
Where: Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Cost: $20 Per Vehicle
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm
Celebrate the trees in a weekend-long festival that celebrates Arbor Day!  

Tyrants and Tiaras: Pirate and Princess Day
Where: Long Island Aquarium
Cost: $26.50 for adults, $10.25 for children 12 and younger if dressed as a pirate or princess 
When: Saturday from 10am-3pm
Children 12 and younger will get 50% off admission to the aquarium when they come dressed in their favorite pirate or princess costume!  There will be photo opportunities, pistol duels, and whip and cannon demonstrations.  

All Kids Fair
Where: Melville Marriott
Cost: $5, free ages 2 and younger
When: Sunday from 10am-4:30 pm
Looking for a healthier weekend alternative?  This educational health and wellness fair will feature more than 80 different vendors!  Kids can have fun with free face painting, smoothies, and gluten free baked goods samples!

Check out this article from Newsday for more fun weekend events.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Celebrate Earth Day Today and Every Day!

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Happy Earth Day!

The world today is a lot more eco-conscious than it was in 1970.  It might be hard to imagine a time when factories could legally dump toxic waste into nearby streams.  Today we celebrate Earth Day and the laws that we now have in place to protect our environment!

The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, when 20 million Americans protested for a healthy, sustainable environment. This led to the creation of several essential pieces of environmental legislation that still are upheld today.
  • Creation of the Environmental Protection Agency - The EPA is a well known part of the United States government.  While we rely on the agency for many of our current environmental laws, the EPA was not always around.  It wasn't until the National Environmental Policy Act that the EPA was created.
  • Clean Air Act of 1970 - This legislation authorized state and federal regulations that limit industrial pollution. This means that businesses had to restrict their emissions.
  • Clean Water Act - While this act was passed a little later on (1972), it is still associated with Earth Day.  This legislation is in place to restore and maintain the integrity of our water.  It also includes wastewater treatment and maintaining the integrity of the wetlands.
Read more about the history of Earth Day here.  You can also check out fun things to do on Long Island for Earth Day on the Mommy Poppins website.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Celebrate Earth Day on Long Island!

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Did you know that New York is one of the most eco-friendly states in the country?  It ranks third for it's environmental protection efforts!  Here are a few events to help you celebrate Earth Day this week on Long Island.

Long Island Earth Day Events:

Earth Day Beach Clean Up
Where: Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge, Huntington
When: Saturday, 4/25 at 9AM
Cost: Free
The Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon and US Fish and Wildlife Service are hosting a beach cleanup at Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge to help keep our beaches clean and trash-free this Earth Day!

Keep Islip Clean: Recycled Art Contest
Where: Gillette Park, Candee Avenue, Sayville
When: Saturday, 4/25 from 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free
Bring in your art project made from recycled materials for a chance to win!  There are both children and adult categories for the contest.

Eco Carnival
Where: Seatuck Environmental Association, Islip
When: Saturday, 4/25 from 11am to 5pm
Cost: Suggested $5/person, $20/family
There will be several ongoing events in celebration of Earth Day.  Enjoy nature programs, live animals, music, art, games and food!

Read more about Earth Day events in Newsday.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

How to Spring Clean Your Finances and Documents

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Have you started spring cleaning yet? 

Spring is the perfect season to get rid of the clutter that has built up over the winter and start fresh.  In addition to dusting and getting rid of old clothes, it's important to spring clean your legal affairs.  

Here are a few tips to help you get started on spring cleaning your legal documents, files and finances.

Spring Cleaning Tips:

  • Shred Old Documents - You should always keep your tax returns, canceled checks and records that support tax deductions for auditing purposes.  However, you can shred old financial records and pay stubs that you've been saving for years.  The IRS recommends keeping tax documents for 3-7 years.
  • Review Your Estate Plan - It's important to have an estate plan in place to efficiently pass on assets to your loved ones.  It helps avoid the stress and cost of probate after you have passed away.  Take the time to update your estate plan and make sure that it is up-to-date this spring.
  • Check Your Insurance Coverage - Now is a great time to review your insurance policy to make sure that you are still paying the lowest possible rate.  You can also review any changes that have incurred over the last year to make sure that you are still covered for what is necessary for you and your family.
Check out this article for more tips on how to spring clean your finances and legal documents.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

New York Attorney General Investigates On-Call Work Hours

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

If you have ever worked in retail, you are probably familiar with their unpredictable "on call" scheduling.  However, this method of scheduling is now being investigated by the New York attorney general.

Many workers need to put aside time to show up for a shift that they may not be needed for.  According to the State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, this system is unfair.  It means that the workers cannot schedule another job or consistent child care.

New York is one of eight states that has "reporting time" laws on the books.  However, many workers are unaware that this law exists.  Read more about the investigation on NPR.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Uber is Facing Legal Issues in NYC

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com


Have you used Uber to get around in NYC?  The car service may be finding itself with a lawsuit.  Mayor Bill de Blasio has threatened a multi-billion dollar lawsuit if the ride-sharing company doesn't comply with the city's taxi laws.

Under NYC law, only licensed taxis can pick up people who hail a car on the street.  All Taxis in New York City are regulated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.  They work to maintain a fair and competitive field that serves the interests of NYC riders and residents.  However, Uber violates the law and avoids a number of fees that other taxi services have to abide by.

Read more about the legal issue in FOX Business.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Filing for Divorce via Facebook Message

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Would you file for divorce through Facebook?  A Brooklyn woman recently received a judge's approval to legally file for divorce via a private Facebook message.

Ellanora Baidoo has been trying to file for divorce from her husband for several years.  However, they haven't been able to find him in order to serve the papers because the husband has no fixed address or place of employment.  This week, the Manhattan Supreme Court ruled that Ellanora Baidoo would be allowed to serve her husband with a divorce summons using a private message through Facebook.  

Read more about the recent ruling on the CNN website.  

If you and your spouse have decided to make the difficult decision to separate.  You may be able to file for uncontested divorce.  Our attorneys can help you determine the best legal course of action and offer experienced legal advice.

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.