Second Amendment Legal Update, December 2023

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Cyber Monday scams are rampant in NY this year. How to avoid them

Online shopping this holiday season?

November 27 this year is Cyber Monday and fraud expert for the National Consumers League, John Breyault, told Gannett News there are three scams consumers should be aware of ahead of this holiday season:

• Deals that seem too good to be true
• Porch pirates
• Delivery scams

There is also information on what to do if you've been scammed.

For more information on each scam, and how to avoid it, click here.

The most famous “Thanksgiving” court case of all time?

Second Amendment Legal Update: November 2023

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County Office for the Aging Food Expo is November 13

Schuyler County: Drug Take Back Day is October 28 at the Odessa and Tyrone Fire Departments

National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 17-23

October 17-23, 2023 is National Estate Planning Week and Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman is reminding the public that the week is a perfect time to start thinking about their own estate plans.

“Estate planning is the process of arranging in writing who will receive your assets when you die,” Getman explained. “It can also provide clear end-of-life directives should you become incapacitated before ultimately passing away.”

“Common, and important, documents may include a Last Will and Testament, a Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy and a Living Will.”

Unfortunately, Getman said, many people fail to establish an estate plan, even those who would benefit from it.

“It’s estimated that over half of Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan,” Getman said. “This creates hardship, both financial and emotional, for your loved ones.”

“For example, when you don’t have a Will, the court process — known as intestate administration — can get especially complicated. The court has to name an administrator to oversee your estate. And this can be time-consuming, expensive, and even contentious for your family members.”

“Having a plan helps make sure your money and property go to those you intended, not to others, or even the government, when you pass away,” Getman noted.

“It can also minimize taxes so that your loved ones can keep more of your property.”

“Even if you have a plan, it’s a good idea to review it from time to time,” Getman said. “Changes in the law, family, business and other life circumstances can have sweeping effects on your plan. This week is a perfect time to look over your existing plan to best protect you and your family.”

According to Getman, anyone looking for a local estate planning lawyer may be able to obtain assistance by calling the New York State Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 1-800-342-3661 or visiting them online at www.findalawyernys.org.

National Estate Planning Awareness Week was established by Congress in 2008 to help consumers understand estate planning and its importance, along with how best to create a qualified team of professionals to assist in the estate planning process.

The Schuyler County Attorney is the chief legal advisor for county government and responsible for the prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the county, including estate claims, adult protective cases and tax matters. Among the agencies the office represents are the County Treasurer, Office for the Aging and Department of Social Services.

Second Amendment Legal Update: October, 2023

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Legal assistance for veterans and their families available

Did you serve in the Military? Do you need legal help?

Cornell Law School is starting a Veterans Law Practicum and recently received a grant for addressing housing and civil legal services for Veterans and their families.

They are serving the entire Sixth Judicial District, which includes Schuyler, Tompkins, Chemung and Tioga counties. They are hoping to have enough cases for the Practicum and the Staff Attorney to handle to meet their deliverables.

The Cornell Law Veterans Practicum can help with:

• Disability rights
• Housing problems
• Veterans benefits
• Discharge upgrades

and more.

Eligible veterans and their families can scan a QR code to fill out a form for legal help or call (607) 307-5116 to leave a voicemail with their name and number.

Summary of New Legislation Available

The New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) has published its 2023 Summary of Enacted and Pending Legislation, which highlights legislation that passed the Senate and Assembly and impacts cities and villages.

The document, which is regularly updated, is available on the NYCOM website.

According to NYCOM, this year there were 869 pieces of legislation that passed both houses and have been or will be delivered to Governor Hochul for her approval or veto. A copy of the update, current as of September 5, 2023, appears below.

NYCOM Summary of Legislation by Steven Getman on Scribd