3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Laura Blasberg, local attorney who specializes in Tax and Estate Planning

Laura Blasberg from Laura Blasberg Law, Tax and Estate Planning, talks to the Patch about how she is involved in the Hauppauge community and tells readers the three questions they should ask when trying to find a lawyer.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the various services you offer?

Laura: The types of services I offer fall primarily into three categories: estate planning (for both large and small estates), tax controversy which means representing clients in front of the IRS, New York State or New York City in anything from audits to Tax Court cases, and general tax planning for individuals and businesses.

Patch: What would be the top three tips for someone who wants to start planning for his or her estate, but does not know where to start?

Laura: The three things that are most important to think about are:

(1) If you have minor children, who you want to name as their guardian.

(2) Whether you want your assets to pass outright to your spouse and children, or if you want them to pass through a trust with certain restrictions.

(3) Who you want to be in charge of your affairs once you pass (i.e. who you want to be the executor of your Will and the trustees of any trusts that you create under your Will). If your combined estate with your spouse is over $10 million, then you need to start thinking about tax planning as well.

Patch: What is your morning routine?

Laura: My two sons (ages 7 and 9) and I spend time together in the mornings before they get on the bus. Once I put them on the bus ,I take one of my dogs for a long walk by the water, then do a yoga class when time allows. Then my work day begins! Oh yeah- I forgot the most important part- coffee!

Patch: When should a small business owner see an attorney?

Laura: They should see a tax attorney like me when they first start out, so I can help them structure how they want their business to be held. They should then consult with a tax lawyer any time they enter into a major transaction, such as an asset purchase or sale, or a merger. They should also consult a tax attorney to review major contracts. You never know where tax traps could be hidden and it is better to be safe than sorry!

Patch: What are the top three questions readers should ask when trying to find an attorney?

Laura: Tell me about your experience. Tell me about you can help me. What is your current bandwidth (i.e. ability to devote time to my project) and what is your fee structure?

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and/or experience?

Laura: I graduated from Duke Law School in 1996 and received my Masters in Tax Law from NYU School of Law in 1997. I spent the next nineteen years practicing at large firms in the City (for six years) and at a large firm on Long Island (thirteen years). In early 2016, I decided to follow my dream and open my own practice.

Patch: What are your three favorite books?

Laura: "A Woman in the Polar Night", "Women in Praise of the Sacred", and "The Sun Also Rises".

Patch: What is your favorite part about working in the Hauppauge community?

Laura: For years I had a long commute and most of my clients lived at least thirty or forty miles away from me, sometimes even more. I often felt like an outsider. I love representing people in my own area- working and serving people in my own community.

Patch: How are you involved in the community?

Laura: I am on the Stony Brook Children's Hospital Task Force and on the Jewels and Jeans Dinner Committee for the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. I also recently hosted a fundraiser for the Brookhaven Animal Shelter.

Patch: What made you want to pursue a career in law?

Laura: Since about half way through college I started thinking about a career in law. As I mentioned above, my dream was always to have my own small town practice. That day is finally here!

Patch: How can readers contact you or find out more about Laura Blasberg Law?

Laura: You can call me at 631-364-9010 or email me at laura@laurablasberglaw.com.

You can also check out my website at www.laurablasberglaw.com.