From Avenue Law Firm – Hidden Costs: A Buyer’s Guide to Special Assessments in NYC Condos explores how unexpected fees imposed by condo boards can impact affordability, financing, and long-term value in New York City’s highly competitive real estate market. This episode guides listeners through the complexities of special assessments and how due diligence—especially with the help of legal professionals—can reveal red flags before a buyer signs on the dotted line.

Special assessments are often misunderstood yet legally binding charges issued by a condo’s board of managers to fund major capital improvements, emergency repairs, or aesthetic upgrades. From roof replacements and elevator modernization to compliance with the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), these assessments can quickly add thousands to an owner’s annual costs. Avenue Law Firm highlights how boards may choose between permanent common charge increases or temporary assessments, often opting for the latter to maintain the illusion of a low-maintenance building—masking financial instability from prospective buyers.

The episode also unpacks how assessments are calculated using each unit’s percentage of common interest, often based on floor area or market value, as outlined under New York Real Property Law §339-I and §339-M. Buyers of larger or high-value units—like penthouses—face proportionally larger obligations. Once a special assessment is approved per the building’s bylaws, it becomes a binding legal obligation. Failure to pay can result in liens or even foreclosure. These realities make it vital to understand a building’s financials, governance, and maintenance history before committing to a purchase.

Listeners will walk away with a detailed legal due diligence checklist including review of the offering plan, bylaws, board meeting minutes, lender’s questionnaire, and annual financial statements. The podcast also features guidance on spotting underfunded reserve accounts, identifying buildings with a pattern of frequent assessments, and reading between the lines of vague building communications. With insight from Avenue Law Firm and founder Peter Zinkovetsky, Esq.—a top-rated NYC condo real estate lawyer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Newsweek, and The Real Deal—this episode empowers buyers to approach their NYC condo purchase with clarity, confidence, and legal protection.

Avenue Law Firm

505 Park Ave Suite 202, New York, NY 10022, United States

(212) 729-4090

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14223199020890935024

From The Law Office of Ryan Besinque – Is Your Prenup Ironclad? Challenging and Enforcing Agreements in NY explores the unforgiving legal terrain of prenuptial agreements in New York, where even minor technical missteps can lead to an entire contract being thrown out. This episode dives deep into what makes a prenup valid or vulnerable, unpacking key legal standards and landmark cases like Matisoff v. Dobi and Galetta v. Galetta that shape how courts interpret and enforce these critical agreements.

Listeners will learn how New York’s Domestic Relations Law § 236(B)(3) demands precision on three non-negotiable elements: a written contract, signatures by both parties, and — most crucially — a proper acknowledgment that goes far beyond casual notarization. We break down why acknowledgment errors, such as an improperly worded notary certificate, can invalidate even the most seemingly fair agreement, stopping enforcement before a court even looks at the content.

We also explore the deeper challenges often raised after the formalities are met — including allegations of fraud, duress, coercion, and unconscionability. Drawing from key precedents like Christian v. Christian and the groundbreaking 2025 case J.M. v. G.V., this episode sheds light on evolving expectations for spousal maintenance waivers and the importance of full financial disclosure. Whether it’s hiding assets or springing a prenup days before a wedding, we detail how courts separate valid agreements from those tainted by overreach or unfairness.

Finally, we turn the lens toward enforcement strategies — how to protect your prenup from challenge by ensuring independent legal representation, thorough documentation, and ample negotiation time. With insights from Manhattan divorce lawyer Richard Roman Shum, Esq., who brings over 15 years of experience and a deep commitment to client-centered representation, this episode is a vital guide for anyone drafting, reviewing, or defending a prenuptial agreement in New York.

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

From DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. – Understanding Connecticut's Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims offers vital guidance for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident or dealing with the tragic aftermath of a wrongful death. This episode walks listeners through the key time-sensitive legal concepts laid out in Connecticut law, emphasizing how deadlines can impact your ability to seek justice after an injury or loss.

In this conversation, we unpack the crucial distinctions between personal injury claims resulting from car accidents and those involving wrongful death. You'll learn how the two-year statute of limitations outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-584 governs most personal injury cases, and why understanding this timeline is essential to protecting your rights. We also cover Section 52-555, which pertains to wrongful death claims, highlighting specific filing requirements and how these laws apply when negligence is involved.

The podcast sheds light on unique scenarios that can affect how the statute of limitations is calculated. From delayed discovery of injuries to cases involving minors or incapacitated individuals, DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. shares how these exceptions can influence your legal options. We also dive into comparative negligence in Connecticut, explaining how shared fault can affect compensation and legal outcomes.

Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident or are grieving the loss of a loved one, this episode underscores the importance of timely legal action. With insight drawn directly from Understanding Connecticut's Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims, DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. aims to empower listeners with the information needed to navigate the legal system with confidence and clarity.

DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C.

255 Bank St # 2b, Waterbury, CT 06702, United States

(203) 756-7408

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2074756120617399372