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

Schuyler County Honors Sept. 17 as Constitution and Citizenship Day

The Schuyler County Legislature is recognizing Sunday (September 17) as Constitution and Citizenship Day.

The legislature’s resolution, drafted by County Attorney Steven Getman, urges civil and educational authorities of states, counties, cities and towns to make plans for the proper observance of the day and “for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States, and of the state and locality in which they reside.”

The resolution was approved at the legislature’s August 14 meeting.

September 17 is the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, which, the county resolution notes, "is the supreme law of the land and the document by which the people of this country self-govern."

In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution on Feb. 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106), designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

A complete copy of the county’s resolution is available here.

RECOGNIZE SEPTEMBER 17, 202... by Steven Getman

New York courts commemorate 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

On Monday, September 11, 2023, the Unified Court System will observe the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The commemoration will honor those who responded, including a tribute to Captain William Harry Thompson, Sergeant Thomas Jurgens, and Sergeant Mitchell Wallace.

Second Amendment Legal Update, September 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 Officials host adult protective event September 26 (Update: EVENT CANCELLED)

(Update: Due to circumstances, Schuyler County not able to offer this training. We apologize for any inconvenience.) The adult services division of the Schuyler County Department of Social Services welcomes the public to a series of trainings on prescription drug abuse, human trafficking and identify theft.

“Seniors and vulnerable adults are being coerced/forced to participate in illegal activity,” the announcement reads. It also notes they can get trapped by identify theft and money scams.

The program looks at ways to identify illegal activity and how to guard against it.

The trainings will be conducted by former New York State Police Instructor Michael Bruggman. Bruggman provides training to various groups including law enforcement, corrections officers, medical staff, teachers, substance abuse counselors, community groups and others.

The event will be held on September 26 at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex, 323 Owego Street, Montour Fall, New York.

As part of the events there will be a simulated drug paraphernalia display set up for the entire day. All items are safe and will contain no illegal or dangerous substances.

For more information, or to RSVP, contact the Schuyler County Department of Social Services Adult Protective Division.