MCV Law News and Insights

  • An older couple signing papers

    Why Every Estate Plan Needs More Than Just a Will

    Posted at: 5/20/2026 11:00 AM

    People often ask which estate planning document is the “most important,” but the reality is that each document serves a different role. A complete estate plan is designed to work as a system, not as a collection of stand-alone forms. At a minimum, there are three core documents every adult should consider having in place: 1. Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf if you become unable to act for yourself. That can

    Read More

  • Maximum and Minimum Weekly Benefit Rates Increase for 2026–2027

    Posted at: 4/27/2026 10:40 AM

    Each year, the Workers’ Compensation maximum and minimum benefit rate increases to reflect changes in statewide wage data. These updates play an important role in ensuring that injured workers receive fair wage replacement benefits while they recover from work-related injuries or illnesses. What’s Changing? For work-related injuries or illnesses occurring between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, New York has increased the rates as follows: The maximum weekly Workers’ Compensation benefit wi

    Read More

  • A family standing in front of their house

    Should You Put Your House in a Trust? Pros and Cons to Consider

    Posted at: 4/27/2026 9:15 AM

    For many people, their home is their most valuable asset. Deciding what happens to it in the future, whether after death or in the event of incapacity, is a key part of any estate plan. One option you may have heard about is placing your home in a trust. While this can be a powerful planning tool, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding both the benefits and the potential drawbacks can help you make an informed decision. The Benefits of Putting Your House in a Trust 1. Avoiding

    Read More

  • A construction worker on his cell phone with a laptop on site

    Do You Pay a Lawyer Upfront in NY? Workers’ Comp, Personal Injury & SSD Fees Explained

    Posted at: 4/23/2026 11:00 AM

    One of the most common questions people have after an injury or disability is simple: Can I even afford a lawyer? The answer, in most cases, is no—you don’t have to pay anything upfront. In New York, many Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, and Social Security Disability cases are handled on a “no win, no fee” basis. That means your attorney only gets paid if you recover benefits or compensation. But here’s where it gets confusing:That phrase doesn’t mean the same thing in every type o

    Read More

  • A doctor bandaging an injured workers wrist

    Do I Have to File for Workers’ Compensation in New York?

    Posted at: 4/15/2026 8:00 AM

    If you’ve been injured at work, one of the first questions you may have is whether you actually need to file for Workers’ Compensation. In New York, the answer is straightforward: yes—if your injury or illness occurred at work, you should file a Workers’ Compensation claim. Workers’ Compensation is considered the primary coverage for work-related injuries in New York. That means it is responsible for paying for your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who was at

    Read More