BSPE Legal Marketing Podcast

di Viktoria Altman

Stagione 5

How to Avoid Probate in New York - Davies Law Firm

From Davies Law Firm - How to Avoid Probate in New York explains how families in Syracuse and across Central New York can protect their assets, avoid Surrogate's Court involvement, and maintain privacy through strategic estate planning. This podcast dives into the fundamentals of probate under the New York Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (SCPA), outlining how the court supervises the validation of a will, the role of an executor, and why assets titled solely in an individual’s name often become subject to lengthy legal proceedings in Onondaga County and beyond. Listeners will gain insight into why avoiding probate matters, including the financial burden of executor commissions, attorney fees, and court costs, as well as the delays caused by formal court procedures in the Surrogate's Court. The episode highlights how public access to probate records can expose sensitive family and financial details, making privacy a key concern for many New York families. With guidance rooted in New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL), the discussion clarifies which assets typically bypass probate, such as jointly owned property, beneficiary-designated accounts, and trust-held assets. Frederick P. Davies, Esq., a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, and William P. Davies, Esq., a partner with advanced credentials from Albany Law School and the University of Miami School of Law, share practical strategies for building effective estate plans. Their approach focuses on revocable living trusts, explaining how these tools allow individuals to retain control during their lifetime while enabling seamless asset transfer after death. The episode also explores additional probate-avoidance methods, including joint tenancy, tenancy by the entirety, payable-on-death (POD) accounts, transfer-on-death (TOD) designations, life insurance policies, and retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. The conversation also covers key steps in creating and funding a living trust, selecting a successor trustee, and ensuring assets are properly transferred to avoid unintended probate exposure. It addresses real-world considerations such as incapacity planning, avoiding ancillary probate for out-of-state property, and understanding estate tax thresholds, including New York’s 2026 exclusion amount of $7,350,000 and the federal $15,000,000 threshold. Designed for individuals and families in Syracuse and throughout Central New York, this episode offers a clear path to building a plan that minimizes court involvement, reduces conflict, and ensures assets are distributed according to your wishes. Davies Law Firm 210 E Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13202, United States (315) 472-6511 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=11885144913064493862

S5 · E187

30 mar 2026

5:12

Can Police Question a Minor Without Parental Consent in Michigan? - Paul J. Tafelski

From Paul J. Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law - Can Police Question a Minor Without Parental Consent in Michigan? explores the legal realities families face when minors are questioned by law enforcement in Michigan and how those interactions intersect with domestic violence cases and custody concerns. Drawing on key legal principles from the Fifth Amendment and landmark rulings like J.D.B. v. North Carolina (2011), this discussion outlines when police in Oakland County and across Michigan may question a child without parental consent and how custody status determines whether Miranda protections apply. The episode examines how different environments—especially schools—impact whether a child is considered in custody, and why that distinction is critical in evaluating the legality of police questioning. It also highlights how courts, including the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac and the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills, handle related criminal matters, particularly when no-contact orders and bond conditions begin to affect parenting time and access to children during an ongoing case. Listeners will gain insight into how domestic violence charges influence custody decisions under the Michigan Child Custody Act, including the application of MCL 722.23 and how courts weigh factors such as emotional bonds, stability, and any history of domestic violence. The conversation also explores how Personal Protection Orders under MCL 600.2950 and rules like MCR 3.706(c)(3) can override custody arrangements, with involvement from the Oakland County Friend of the Court under MCL 552.505 shaping outcomes in family law proceedings. Featuring the experience of Paul J. Tafelski of Michigan Defense Law—educated at the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University and affiliated with organizations such as the Michigan Bar Association, American Bar Association, Criminal Defense Lawyers of Michigan, and Oakland County Bar Association—this episode also breaks down sentencing laws like MCL 769.4a and penalties under MCL 750.81 and MCL 750.81a. It provides a clear understanding of how criminal charges, federal restrictions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), and court procedures can affect both legal standing and family life, offering listeners practical knowledge to navigate these high-stakes situations. Paul J. Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law 2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, United States (248) 451-2200 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7441820969606749572

S5 · E186

30 mar 2026

3:22

Queens Hit and Run Accidents - Keetick L. Sanchez

From K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. - Queens Hit and Run Accidents explores the legal realities, immediate steps, and recovery options available to victims injured on Queens roads. This episode dives into the challenges faced after a crash involving a fleeing driver, highlighting the role of Queens car accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez and the support available from the Jackson Heights office at 37-06 82nd St. Listeners are introduced to the scope of hit-and-run incidents across New York City and the urgency of acting quickly. The discussion breaks down New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, explaining what happens when drivers leave the scene and how offenses escalate from traffic infractions to felonies. It also walks through critical post-accident actions, from calling 911 and documenting evidence on roads like Roosevelt Avenue, Northern Boulevard, Jamaica Avenue, and Queens Boulevard, to gathering witness accounts that can help identify the fleeing vehicle. This episode also examines how compensation works even when the at-fault driver is not found. It covers Insurance Law § 5103 and § 3420(f), detailing no-fault (PIP) benefits, uninsured motorist coverage, and the role of the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). Listeners gain clarity on deadlines, including the 30-day notice rule, 90-day MVAIC filing requirement, and how claims are handled in Queens County Supreme Court Civil Term at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd. Finally, the podcast outlines the types of damages victims can pursue, from medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering and long-term disability. It also explores liability factors, common injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, and the legal timelines under CPLR § 214 and EPTL § 5-4.1. With insights into Queens neighborhoods such as Elmhurst, Corona, Woodside, and major roadways like the Long Island Expressway and Grand Central Parkway, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate a hit-and-run claim with confidence. K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. 37-06 82nd St #304, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, United States (646) 701-7990 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2729652254808699760

S5 · E184

26 mar 2026

4:20

What Is Title Insurance in a New York City Real Estate Purchase? - Peter Zinkovetsky

From Avenue Law Firm - What Is Title Insurance in a New York City Real Estate Purchase? breaks down how title insurance protects buyers and lenders from hidden ownership issues that can derail a Manhattan real estate transaction. This episode explores how title insurance applies to condos, townhouses, and houses in New York City, why lenders usually require a lender’s policy, and why many buyers also choose an owner’s policy for added protection. It also highlights the role of NYC real estate lawyers in reviewing title reports, coordinating with title companies, and resolving issues before closing day. Listeners will learn what title insurance actually covers, including liens from unpaid property taxes, undisclosed heirs, forged signatures on prior deeds, public record mistakes, and mortgages that were never properly discharged. The episode explains the difference between title insurance and homeowner’s insurance, showing why one protects against past defects in a property’s ownership history while the other addresses future risks like fires or floods. It also walks through the title search process, including the use of ACRIS, the Automated City Register Information System maintained by the New York City Department of Finance, for searches involving Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. The discussion also covers the practical side of closing costs in New York City real estate purchases, including the distinction between an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy, how coverage changes over time, and why buyers often pay for both at closing. References to the New York State Department of Financial Services, TIRSA, New York Insurance Law § 6401, and New York Insurance Law § 6409 help explain coverage rules, regulated rates, and why premium rebates are generally prohibited. The episode also addresses when title insurance may not apply at all, such as in a Manhattan co-op purchase, where buyers acquire shares in a cooperative corporation and a proprietary lease rather than deeded real property. Featuring insights connected to Avenue Law Firm and attorney Peter Zinkovetsky, Esq., this podcast gives buyers, sellers, and investors a clear look at title insurance across condos, co-ops, townhouses, and sponsor or new development units throughout New York City. It touches on issues that can arise long after closing, such as boundary disputes, judgment liens, mechanic’s liens, or challenges to a prior deed, and explains why optional protections like a market value endorsement may matter in neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village and the West Village. For anyone navigating a residential or commercial real estate transaction in Manhattan, this episode offers a grounded overview of the legal protections, due diligence, and closing considerations that can shape the deal from contract to closing. Avenue Law Firm 505 Park Ave Suite 202, New York, NY 10022, United States (212) 729-4090 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14223199020890935024

S5 · E183

26 mar 2026

5:05

How Is Real Estate Valued and Divided in an Illinois Divorce? - Caesar & Bender, LLP

From Caesar & Bender, LLP - How Is Real Estate Valued and Divided in an Illinois Divorce? looks at how Illinois courts classify, value, and divide marital real estate, from a single primary residence to a larger portfolio of properties. The description explains how equitable distribution works under Illinois law, why ownership history, mortgage balances, income streams, and tax issues can differ from one property to the next, and why each asset must be classified and valued before a court decides how it should be divided. The description walks through key concepts such as marital and non-marital property, commingling, and reimbursement claims, along with how courts use fair market value rather than assessed value when reviewing real estate in Chicago and Cook County. It also covers how rental and commercial properties may require an income-based valuation approach, how ownership interests held through an LLC can complicate the process, and how factors like the duration of the marriage, each spouse's economic circumstances, and tax consequences can influence how a portfolio is ultimately divided. Michael Ian Bender of Caesar & Bender, LLP, who previously served as a Domestic Relations Judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County, brings judicial experience to how disputed property and valuation issues are presented to the court. Alongside co-founding partner Molly E. Caesar, the description highlights how Caesar & Bender, LLP works with appraisers, accountants, and business valuation professionals to address ownership, income, and tax questions that arise in real estate portfolio divorces throughout Chicago and Cook County. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how Illinois courts approach classification, valuation methods, rental income, refinancing, and the tax consequences that can follow a real estate division. The description also touches on practical steps for protecting real estate interests during divorce, including gathering property records, documenting ownership history, and reviewing entity structures, offering a helpful overview for anyone facing a Chicago divorce involving real estate. Caesar & Bender, LLP 150 N Michigan Ave #2130, Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 236-1500 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10482794179944044586

S5 · E182

26 mar 2026

2:53

How Does a DWI Affect Car Insurance Rates in New York? - Jason Bassett

From Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. - How Does a DWI Affect Car Insurance Rates in New York? explains how a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1192 can significantly increase car insurance premiums and impact drivers across Suffolk County, Nassau County, Long Island, and throughout New York. The episode breaks down how insurers evaluate risk, why premiums can rise by 50% or more, and how factors like age, driving history, and location influence the final cost. Listeners will learn how the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tracks convictions, how long a DWI or DWAI remains on a driving record, and what that means for insurance rates over time. The discussion also covers license consequences under VTL § 1193, policy nonrenewals, and how insurance companies respond at renewal. Special attention is given to the differences between DWAI, standard DWI, Aggravated DWI, and repeat offenses, including how each level affects premiums, fines, and revocation periods. The podcast also explores solutions for high-risk drivers, including the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP), overseen by the New York Department of Financial Services. It explains how the Assigned Risk Plan works, why premiums are significantly higher, and how drivers can transition back to the voluntary market. Practical strategies like completing the Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), maintaining a clean record, and comparing insurers are discussed to help reduce long-term costs. Featuring insights from Jason Bassett, Esq., a Suffolk County DWI defense attorney and former prosecutor, the episode highlights how legal outcomes can directly influence insurance consequences. From charge reductions to case dismissals, it emphasizes how defense strategies can impact financial stability, driving privileges, and future coverage options for drivers facing DWI charges in courts across Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Long Island. Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. 320 Carleton Ave # 4200, Central Islip, NY 11722, United States (631) 259-6060 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=695024758410642184

S5 · E180

26 mar 2026

4:51

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Arkansas? - Joseph Gates

From Gates Law Firm PLLC - What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Arkansas? This episode breaks down the filing deadline for wrongful death claims in Arkansas, including the general three-year rule under Arkansas Code 16-62-102, the shorter timeline that can apply in medical malpractice cases under Arkansas Code 16-114-203, and the critical exceptions families need to know. Little Rock wrongful death attorney Joseph Gates explains how timing can affect a claim, why the date of death matters, and what can happen when a lawsuit is filed too late. Listeners will learn who can file a wrongful death claim in Arkansas, how the personal representative of the estate or heirs-at-law may bring the case, and why all eligible beneficiaries must be included. The episode also explores the different damages that may be available in a wrongful death lawsuit, including medical bills, funeral and burial costs, lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, grief, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. It also covers how Arkansas comparative fault rules under Arkansas Code 16-64-122 can reduce or bar recovery depending on the deceased person’s share of fault. Joseph Gates of Gates Law Firm PLLC also discusses the types of incidents that commonly lead to wrongful death claims across Arkansas, including car accidents, trucking collisions involving 18-wheelers on Interstate 30 and Interstate 40, medical errors, defective consumer products, and workplace accidents. The conversation highlights practical steps families can take to protect a claim, such as obtaining the death certificate, preserving medical records, requesting police or incident reports, identifying the estate’s personal representative, and acting quickly before evidence disappears and deadlines expire. The episode also introduces Joseph Gates, Esq., founder of Gates Law Firm PLLC in Little Rock, a trial lawyer who earned his J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville and has represented injured individuals and grieving families throughout Arkansas for more than a decade. It touches on his background with Taylor King & Associates and Paul Byrd Law Firm, PLLC, his involvement with the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, American Bar Association, Pulaski County Bar Association, and Attorneys Information Exchange Group, and his work helping families navigate claims through Pulaski County and the Pulaski County Circuit Court. Gates Law Firm PLLC 2725 Cantrell Rd Ste 200 Little Rock, AR 72202, United States (501) 779-8091 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4114337096292287489

S5 · E179

24 mar 2026

4:20

What Should You Expect from a Car Accident Deposition? - Keetick L. Sanchez

From K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. - What Should You Expect from a Car Accident Deposition? explores how a deposition can shape the outcome of a personal injury case and why preparation is critical. This episode walks listeners through the fundamentals of a car accident deposition, also known as an Examination Before Trial (EBT), explaining how sworn testimony given outside the courtroom carries the same legal weight as trial statements. With guidance rooted in New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) Article 31 and Uniform Rules for New York State Trial Courts (22 NYCRR Part 221), the discussion highlights how every answer can influence settlement negotiations or courtroom strategy. Listeners will gain insight into when depositions occur in the legal process, including filings in Queens County Supreme Court, Civil Term at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, and the role of the Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) and preliminary conference timelines. The episode also breaks down how evidence is exchanged, including medical records, police reports, and insurance disclosures required under New York law. Real-world context—like accidents occurring along Queens Boulevard or Northern Boulevard—helps illustrate how detailed questioning unfolds during testimony. The podcast dives into the types of questions asked during depositions, from background and driving history verified through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to detailed accounts of injuries under New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d). It also explains the serious injury threshold, the 90/180 rule, and how medical treatment at facilities like Elmhurst Hospital Center may be examined. Practical guidance emphasizes how to respond clearly, avoid speculation, and maintain credibility under oath, especially when testimony may later be used under CPLR 3117 or corrected through CPLR 3116. Featuring insights connected to Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq., this episode also covers preparation strategies, common mistakes, and what happens after a deposition, including settlement negotiations or trial in Queens County Supreme Court. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how to approach a deposition with confidence, protect their claim, and navigate the legal system throughout Queens, Nassau County, and across New York City. K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. 37-06 82nd St #304, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, United States (646) 701-7990 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2729652254808699760

S5 · E178

24 mar 2026

8:26

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Manhattan? - Richard Roman Shum

From Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. - How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Manhattan? breaks down the real cost of ending a marriage in New York, from the minimum $335 in court filing fees for a do-it-yourself case to $50,000 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial in Manhattan Supreme Court. This episode explores the financial realities behind uncontested and contested divorces in Manhattan, including the index number fee, Request for Judicial Intervention, Note of Issue, uncontested matrimonial calendar fee, service of process, and certified copies of a Judgment of Divorce. Listeners will learn how attorney fees, flat-fee uncontested divorces, online document preparation services, and full-scale litigation can shape the total cost of a case. The discussion also covers how child custody disputes, child support under the Child Support Standards Act, spousal maintenance under DRL § 236(B)(6), and equitable distribution under DRL § 236(B) can quickly increase expenses, especially when high-value assets, retirement accounts, business interests, stock options, co-ops, and real estate in neighborhoods like the Upper East Side are involved. The episode also looks at ways couples in New York City may reduce costs through mediation, settlement agreements, organized financial records, and more efficient communication with counsel. It explains when mediation may work well, when litigation may still be necessary, and how additional professionals such as forensic accountants, real estate appraisers, child custody evaluators, and an attorney for the child can affect the overall price of divorce proceedings in New York County. Richard Roman Shum, Esq., a Manhattan family law attorney and Lower East Side resident with over 15 years of experience, shares insight into helping families navigate divorce, property division, child custody, and spousal support throughout Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper West Side, and surrounding New York City neighborhoods. This podcast also highlights practical options for those who cannot afford to file, including fee waivers, poor person’s relief, and counsel fee requests under DRL § 237, giving listeners a clearer understanding of their rights, costs, and next steps. Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq 20 Clinton St FRNT 5D, New York, NY 10002, United States (646) 259-3416 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3597344583150276913

S5 · E176

24 mar 2026

5:11

What Are the Local Rules for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in the Waterbury Superior Court? - Dan Petroskey

From DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. - What Are the Local Rules for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in the Waterbury Superior Court? explores the filing requirements, deadlines, and procedural rules that apply when starting a car accident case in the Waterbury Judicial District. This podcast covers how lawsuits are filed in Waterbury Superior Court at 300 Grand Street, why venue matters under Connecticut General Statutes § 51-345 and § 51-344, and how residents of Middlebury, Naugatuck, Prospect, Southbury, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury may be affected by those rules. The episode explains the documents needed to begin a lawsuit, including the summons, Form JD-CV-1, the complaint, and the return of service, along with the role of a Connecticut state marshal in properly serving the defendant before filing with the court clerk. It also breaks down key Connecticut Practice Book rules, including § 8-1, § 10-8, § 10-20, and the pleading sequence that can shape a case from the return date forward. Listeners will also hear how service of process, e-filing through Judicial Branch E-Services, and mistakes involving venue or return dates can affect a claim before it ever reaches trial. The podcast also examines the statute of limitations under C.G.S. § 52-584, including the two-year deadline, the three-year statute of repose, and limited tolling issues under C.G.S. § 52-590, § 52-62, and § 52-63. It further discusses Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule under C.G.S. § 52-572h, showing how shared fault can reduce damages or completely bar recovery when a plaintiff is found 51 percent or more responsible. Using examples tied to Waterbury car accident litigation, the episode highlights why evidence such as crash scene photographs, traffic camera footage, vehicle data, medical records, and accident reconstruction can be critical. Featuring insight centered on Waterbury car accident lawyer Dan Petroskey, Esq., this episode reflects the work of DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C., a firm serving injured clients throughout New Haven County from 255 Bank Street in Waterbury. It highlights the firm’s experience handling motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, slip-and-fall, and dog bite cases, while focusing on the practical steps involved in filing and pursuing a lawsuit in Waterbury Superior Court. Listeners in Naugatuck, Prospect, Middlebury, Wolcott, and surrounding communities will come away with a clearer understanding of Connecticut car accident procedure and what it takes to protect a claim from the very start. DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. 255 Bank St # 2b, Waterbury, CT 06702, United States (203) 756-7408 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2074756120617399372

S5 · E175

24 mar 2026

4:43

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