Author Archives: George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

About George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

George H. Dippel has been practicing law for over 30 years. He is a graduate of Cornell Law School and a former partner at the law firm of Rivkin Radler in their real estate/banking department. Mr. Dippel opened his own law offices in 1993 in Bayside, Queens, New York. Mr. Dippel has assisted thousands of clients throughout Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Long Island and Westchester with their wills, probate, trusts, real estate and business matters. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Dippel has taught real estate courses in Long Island University’s paralegal program. He is also a licensed real estate instructor and has taught real estate licensing courses in the New York Metropolitan area. Mr. Dippel is admitted to practice in all New York State Courts and the Federal Eastern and Southern District Courts.

I lost the original deed to my New York home. Will I have a problem selling my home?

Posted on March 20, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

Clients ask me this question quite often. The answer is almost always no. I believe the common misconception that a homeowner needs their original deed in order to sell their home arises from their experience with another document of ownership, … Continue reading →

Posted in Real Estate | 2 Comments

Do I need homeowners insurance if I’m buying a co-op or condo?

Posted on March 12, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

Cooperative Apartment Corporations and Condominiums have “master” or “blanket” insurance policies insuring their buildings against fire and other hazards. But should you also have your own insurance policy? You definitely should! The blanket or master policy does not cover your … Continue reading →

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How can I avoid probate of a will in New York?

Posted on March 9, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

In a recent post I mentioned that the probate of a will in New York may often be delayed if an heir is not provided for in the will. In such a case, the law allows the heir the opportunity … Continue reading →

Posted in Wills,Trusts and Probate | 2 Comments

My Spouse recently passed away. Do I need to change my deed? What if we owned a cooperative apartment? Must I change my stock certificate?

Posted on March 6, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

When married couples purchase real property in New York State, such as a one-family home or condominium unit, they own it as “tenants-by-the-entirety.” The law provides that when one spouse dies, the surviving spouse is, by operation of law, the … Continue reading →

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How can I reduce my closing costs when refinancing my mortgage in New York?

Posted on March 1, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

When buying a home in New York State and especially in New York City, mortgage tax can often be the single largest component of your closing costs. For example, the mortgage tax in New York City for a mortgage, under … Continue reading →

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What Can Delay Probating a Will in New York?

Posted on March 1, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

In a recent post, I discussed the meaning of “Probating a Will” in New York State. If there are no complications, the process will typically result in the Court issuing Letters Testamentary in a few weeks, officially appointing the person … Continue reading →

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Thinking of Buying a Business?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

You’ve decided to buy an existing small business.  Let’s say the owner has decided to retire and you see this as a great opportunity to  take over a profitable enterprise. You’ve negotiated the purchase price with the help of your … Continue reading →

Posted in Business - Buying-Selling-Starting | Leave a comment

I’ve made an offer on a house but the broker has told me it involves a “short sale.” How does that affect me as a buyer?

Posted on February 12, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

Short Sales have become more common as more and more homeowners find themselves “Under Water,” meaning that they owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth.  Normally, a homeowner Under Water would not be able to sell their … Continue reading →

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What does it mean to “Probate a Will” ?

Posted on February 12, 2012 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

This is a  common question asked by clients.  “Probate” is the process by which the court, which in New York State is called the Surrogate’s Court, determines whether or not a document is a valid Last Will and Testament  of … Continue reading →

Posted in Wills,Trusts and Probate | 1 Comment