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.
“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.”
“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.
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.
The Cornell Law Veterans Practicum can help with:
• Disability rightsand more.
• Housing problems
• Veterans benefits
• Discharge upgrades
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.
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
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.
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.
