Legal Resources for Estate Planning, Immigration, and Business Law in New York and California

Real answers to real questions — written by the attorneys handling these cases right now.

Insights & Updates

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Understanding the law shouldn't require a law degree. These guides cover the questions our clients ask most often, written in plain language for individuals, families, and business owners who want to understand their options before they decide what to do next. Browse by practice area below, or start with whatever brought you here.

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Can I Get a Green Card Now That My U.S.-Born Child Has Turned 21?

Many immigrant parents wonder whether they can finally apply for a green card once their U.S.-citizen child turns 21. The short answer is: Yes, in many cases a U.S.-citizen child who is at least 21...
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understanding-immigration-habeas-corpus-petitions--a-plain-language-guide

Understanding Immigration Habeas Corpus Petitions: A Plain‑Language Guide

Immigration habeas corpus petitions are a tool used to challenge unlawful detention by federal immigration authorities. In simple terms, “habeas corpus” allows a person to ask a federal court to...
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california-probate-fees--what-they-are-and-why-families-try-to-avoid-them

California Probate Fees: What They Are and Why Families Try to Avoid Them

In California, probate fees follow a statutory formula that bases attorney and executor compensation on the total value of the estate — not the equity and not what heirs actually receive. Under...
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estate-planning-for-immigrant-and-first-generation-american-families

Estate Planning for Immigrant and First‑Generation American Families

Immigrant and first-generation American families face unique estate planning challenges. Non‑citizen spouses, cross‑border assets, guardianship for U.S.-born children, and a higher risk of...
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a will if I rent in New York?

    Yes — renters need wills too. A will directs where your personal property, financial accounts, and other assets go when you die, regardless of whether you own real estate. Without one, New York's intestacy laws decide who inherits, which may not reflect your wishes, especially if you have children, a partner you're not married to, or family members you'd prefer not to inherit.

  • How long does green card processing take in California?

    Processing times vary significantly depending on the visa category and the applicant's country of origin. Family-based green cards for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are generally faster than preference categories, but processing times at USCIS service centers can range from several months to several years. An immigration attorney can assess your specific category and give you a realistic timeline based on current USCIS data.

  • Can I form an LLC as a doctor in California?

    Not exactly. California restricts licensed professionals — including physicians — from forming standard LLCs to practice medicine. Doctors in California typically organize as a Professional Medical Corporation (PC or Inc.) rather than an LLC. The rules are specific to the profession and the state, and getting the entity structure right from the start avoids costly restructuring later. We cover this in detail for healthcare professionals considering practice formation.

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New Posts Added Regularly

We publish guides when there's something worth explaining — a regulatory change, a question we hear in consultations every week, or a process that's more complicated than it should be. Check back often, or reach out if there's a topic you'd like us to cover.