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REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 June 2026
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IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
The Pre-Vacation Conversation Every Family Should Have BEFORE THE BEACH TOWELS AND BOARDING PASSES
Every summer, I talk to clients who are excitedly preparing for family vacations. They’re booking flights, planning beach days, figuring out which snacks to pack for the road trip, and trying not to forget the sunscreen sitting on the kitchen counter. And honestly, I love that. Those moments matter. Family vacations create the kinds of memories people hold onto for years. But as an estate planning attorney, I’ve also noticed something else over the years: Most people spend far more time planning their itinerary than planning for the unexpected. Now, I know estate planning isn’t exactly the thing people want to think about when they’re getting ready for sunbathing sessions. Nobody wants to be sitting poolside thinking about powers of attorney. But I truly believe that taking care of a few important details before you leave can give you something incredibly valuable while you’re away, and that’s peace of mind. One of the first things I encourage people to do before traveling is to review their will. A lot can change in a short amount of time. Maybe you’ve welcomed a new grandchild, bought a home, changed jobs, opened new accounts, or experienced shifts in family relationships. I can’t tell you how many times I hear, “We’ve been meaning to update that.” The summer
Another thing people often forget? Beneficiary designations. Your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and certain financial accounts don’t automatically follow your will. That’s why it’s so important to periodically review those designations and make sure they still reflect your wishes. And then there’s the practical side of preparation. Before traveling, it’s a good idea to organize important documents, keep them somewhere secure, and make sure trusted family members know where to find them if needed. Even leaving behind a travel itinerary and emergency contacts can help everyone feel more prepared. Lastly, I also gently remind clients not to wait until the last minute. Estate planning documents take time to prepare properly. They often require meetings, revisions, signatures, witnesses, and notarization. Calling your attorney a few days before your flight usually creates more stress than peace of mind. When your plans are in place, you can spend less time worrying about the “what ifs” and more time being present with your family, whether on a beach, around a campfire, or squeezed into the backseat on a summer road trip.
travel season is often the reminder people need to finally move it to the top of the list.
For parents, this becomes even more important. If you have minor children, have you named guardians in your will? Have you designated someone temporarily in charge while you’re away? These conversations can feel uncomfortable at first, but they’re really acts of love and preparation. You’re making sure your children would be cared for by the people you trust most if something unexpected happened. I also always recommend making sure you have updated powers of attorney and health care directives in place. A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to step in and handle financial matters if you’re unable to do so. A health care power of attorney allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if necessary. These documents can make an incredibly difficult situation much less stressful for loved ones.
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Clean Deck, Clear Conscience
Pressure Washing Done Right
The warm weather and sunshine beckon us to come sit outside. With more time outdoors, you may notice your deck is becoming dirtier with use and wear. You may feel compelled to pressure wash the area to freshen and rejuvenate it. However, you can’t just pick up a pressure washer at your local home improvement store and start spraying, as it could damage the wood beyond repair.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to refreshing your deck and giving it a clean, polished look. Gather materials: Before you begin, ensure you have everything you need. This includes a pressure washer, chemical-resistant gloves, a deck scrub brush, drop cloths, eye protection, your garden hose, a plastic bucket, putty knives, deck stripper, and oxalic acid powder. Prep the area: Remove or cover all plants nearby, spray down your siding with clean water, and repair any cracked or split boards. Apply and remove stripper: Using a wide- mouth nozzle on the pressure washer wand, apply stripper to the top rails and posts, then move to the deck itself. Apply the stripper one board at a time, using a gentle sweeping motion, and let it sit for the manufacturer’s recommended time. Once it’s ready, attach a 25- or 30-degree tip to the wand and set the
psi to 1,200 for pressure-treated wood or 600 for soft woods. Spray the area until all coatings have come off. Clean out board gaps: Use a putty knife to remove all trapped debris between your deck boards. You may need to sweep or vacuum after. Brighten the wood: Use a low-pressure setting to soak the deck with clean water. Mix the oxalic acid with warm water, and use the wide-mouth nozzle to spray the rails, posts, and deckboards. Scrub the area in the direction of the wood grain before rinsing off any brightener residue. Let it dry for 3–4 days before applying any paint or stain. You may also need to sand the area before staining the wood.
Now, you’ve got a beautiful deck primed and ready for entertaining!
Games, Giggles, and Gold Medals
Host a Family Field Day Everyone Will Remember
Some weekends are made for errands, and then there are weekends made for belly laughs, friendly rivalries, and cheering so loud the neighbors peek over the fence. A DIY Family Field Day falls firmly into the second category. It’s the kind of day that turns ordinary play into an unforgettable family tradition, with just enough chaos to make the memories last a lifetime. Choose your day, then claim your arena. Start by finding a date when the family calendar is blissfully quiet. A summer weekend usually works best, but any day with room to breathe works. Next, pick your battlefield of fun: the backyard, a local park, or even a scenic trail if your crew is feeling adventurous. Just make sure you think ahead about shade, space, and any permits you may need. Pick a theme and let the games begin. A theme gives your Field Day its personality. You could go classic with an Olympic-style competition, or lean into a game-show vibe. Let everyone toss out ideas and choose one that makes all ages excited to join in.
scavenger hunts or charades so every family member has a chance to shine. End the day with a closing ceremony and hand out homemade trophies so every competitor gets a moment in the spotlight. Make it personal, playful, and delicious. The details are where the magic really lives. Have the kids help decorate award ribbons or craft goofy trophies. Put together a playlist full of upbeat songs and let family members request tracks after each win. And when everyone gets hungry, serve easy snacks buffet-style, so nobody has to stop the fun for long. Capture the chaos. Don’t forget the camera. The best part of a Family Field Day is the evidence: the triumphant poses, the muddy sneakers, the dramatic tug-of-war faces, and the snack breaks in between. Those photos will be gold later, especially when someone says, “Remember when Dad slipped in the relay race?” A little planning goes a long way, and before you know it, your DIY Family Field Day will be full of movement, laughter, and stories the family will retell for years.
Now for the good stuff: the competitions. Mix high-energy favorites like tug-of-war and obstacle courses with more strategic games like
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Emergency or Overstep? CAN A LANDLORD LET THEMSELVES IN? HERE’S WHEN IT’S ALLOWED
In most situations, tenants have a clear right to privacy in their homes, and landlords are expected to provide advance notice before entering. But what happens when something goes wrong fast? In New York, there are limited circumstances when a landlord can legally enter an apartment without prior notice, and those situations typically involve urgent threats that can’t wait. What qualifies as an emergency? Not every inconvenience rises to the level of an emergency. The key part is whether there’s an immediate risk to people or property that requires quick action. Situations like active fires, significant water leaks, gas odors, or dangerous electrical issues are often considered serious enough to justify immediate access. In these cases, delaying entry could lead to greater damage or even put residents in harm’s way.
For example, if a pipe bursts and begins affecting neighboring units, waiting for permission could make the situation worse. Acting quickly helps limit damage and protect the building as a whole. As a result, landlords are legally able to enter the home without notice. The law balances access and privacy. New York law generally protects a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of their space. However, it also recognizes that certain urgent conditions require flexibility. When an issue poses an immediate threat, landlords may enter without waiting for approval. That said, this exception is narrow. It’s not uncommon for tenants to question whether a situation truly warranted immediate access. When that happens, the focus often
turns to whether a reasonable person would have viewed the issue as urgent.
Courts may consider the severity of the condition, the urgency of the situation, and whether the landlord acted appropriately under the circumstances. Routine matters, like inspections or showings, usually don’t meet this standard. We’re here to help. Landlord-tenant matters can become complicated, especially when questions about access and rights come into play. At Merlino & Gonzalez, we guide both property owners and tenants through these situations with clarity and care. If you’re facing a dispute or have questions about your rights, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
FLANK STEAK TACOS MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS • 1 tsp paprika
• 1 lb flank steak • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 small red onion, finely diced • 1/3 cup cilantro • 1 ripe avocado, diced • 1 tbsp lime juice • 8 small flour tortillas
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat grill to medium heat. • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp chili powder • 1/2 tsp dried oregano • 1/4 tsp onion powder • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp sea salt, divided
2. In a small bowl, combine first 7 seasoning ingredients with 1/2 tsp sea salt. 3. Brush steak with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle seasoning mixture on both sides. 4. Grill steak for 2–4 minutes per side. 5. Remove steak from grill and let it rest. 6. In a bowl, stir together 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. 7. Heat flour tortillas on the grill. 8. Slice the grilled flank steak into 1/4-inch strips. Assemble your tacos with the onion avocado mixture and enjoy!
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Before You Pack Your Bags, Pack Some Peace of Mind Page 1 Your No-Regrets Guide to Deep-Cleaning a Deck Friendly Competition Meets Unforgettable Fun Page 2 Can Landlords Enter Without Notice? Flank Steak Tacos Page 3 Three Reasons You’ll Want to Clear Your June Calendar Page 4
YOUR GUIDE TO A FUN-FILLED WEEKEND IN NEW JERSEY & STATEN ISLAND RENAISSANCE KNIGHTS, POLISH FEASTS & JUNETEENTH BEATS
Enjoy live music, traditional dance performances, and a festive
atmosphere that brings the community together. Kids can join in the fun with face painting and bounce houses, while adults soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Poland! 6th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 20, 2026 Snug-Harbor.org/event/sica-6th-annual- juneteenth-freedom-festival/ Another unforgettable summer celebration is coming to the beautiful Snug Harbor! The 6th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival returns June 20 from 3 to 8 p.m. for a powerful day of culture and community. Enjoy live performances from R&B legend Jeff Redd, The Mighty Kamm Band, DJ Calcutta, and host WillTraxx, along with a gospel choir, drum circle, fashion show, dance performances, and more. Explore delicious food vendors, unique local businesses, wellness experiences, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Admission is free with registration, making this one of Staten Island’s must-attend summer events!
June brings a packed lineup of unforgettable local festivals, perfect for kicking off summer in style! From knights and fire-breathers at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, to delicious pierogi and Polish traditions at Snug Harbor, and a powerful Juneteenth Freedom Festival filled with music, culture, and community celebration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. New Jersey Renaissance Faire June 13–14 NJRenFaire.com Step into a world of adventure as the New Jersey Renaissance Faire returns for its 17th magical season! Celebrated as one of USA Today’s Top 10 Renaissance Faires, this year’s festival brings the world of “The Three Musketeers” to life with jousting knights, sword fights, a human
chess match, fire-breathers, aerialists, comedy, live music, and more. Meet crowd favorites like Jacques Ze Whipper and the Pickle Priest, then feast on turkey legs, craft beer, Valenzano wines, and whiskey tastings. Wander Merchant Village for artisan treasures, costumes, leather goods, jewelry, and unforgettable faire fun! Polish Festival 2026 June 14, 2026 Snug-Harbor.org/event/polish-festival-2026/ Get ready for a delicious day of Polish culture, music, and family fun at Polish Festival 2026! Held at the beautiful Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, this lively celebration features authentic Polish favorites like pierogi, kielbasa, golabki, and homemade baked goods served all day long.
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