Elder Law Practice
Our Elder Law and Special Needs Law attorneys work with clients as they age, clients with disabilities, and families who are trying to help loved ones deal with declining health and abilities. Using a holistic approach, we address estate planning issues, as well as counseling clients about planning for asset protection, and possible long-term care needs, including nursing homes.
DHC has five offices located in New York City, NY, Albany, NY, Washington, D.C., White Plains, NY and Palm Beach, FL.
Our attorneys are seasoned and work closely with families who may need Special Needs Trusts, estate planning and administration (wills, trust, probate and administration of estates where there are no wills). A Special Needs Trust allows the disabled person to use funds for an enhanced life without affecting governmental benefits such as Medicaid.
We can assist where family members have not planned in advance with powers of attorney and health care proxies, or where one family member is taking advantage of an elderly or disabled family member by asking the court to intervene by the appointment of a legal guardian.
Medicaid is an important tool in protecting one’s assets. At Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, we have the breadth of knowledge and the experience to counsel clients on appropriate asset protection devices through the use of trusts and other authorized Medicaid allowed transfers.
We take the time to learn about our clients and their families before recommending any course of action. We are knowledgeable about the legal resources available to assist clients in developing the necessary strategies to obtain their goals.
Key Takeaways
DHC’s Elder Law and Special Needs Law attorneys assist New York families with estate planning, asset protection, long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, guardianship matters, and Special Needs Trusts.
Holistic elder law planning may help protect families before a crisis occurs.
DHC works with aging clients, individuals with disabilities, and families facing declining health, long-term care concerns, or the need for nursing home planning.
Estate planning is a critical part of elder law.
Our attorneys assist with wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and planning for situations where a loved one passes away without a will.
Special Needs Trusts can help protect benefits while improving quality of life.
A Special Needs Trust may allow a person with disabilities to use funds for additional care, support, and quality-of-life needs without affecting government benefits such as Medicaid.
Medicaid planning may help protect assets for New York families.
DHC counsels clients on appropriate asset protection strategies, including trusts and other Medicaid-allowed transfers.
Guardianship may be necessary when advance planning was not completed.
If a loved one did not put powers of attorney or health care proxies in place, or if an elderly or disabled family member is being taken advantage of, DHC can assist with court intervention and legal guardianship matters.
DHC takes a family-centered approach.
Our attorneys take time to understand each client’s family, health, financial, and legal needs before recommending a course of action.
Elder Law Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can a New York Elder Law attorney help families?
A New York Elder Law attorney helps aging individuals, people with disabilities, and families plan for legal, financial, health care, and long-term care needs. This may include estate planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection, nursing home planning, powers of attorney, health care proxies, guardianship, Special Needs Trusts, probate, and estate administration.
How can Elder Law planning help families prepare for long-term care costs?
Elder Law planning may help families prepare for long-term care costs and protect assets through legal strategies such as trusts and Medicaid-allowed transfers. At Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, our attorneys counsel clients on appropriate asset protection options based on their goals, family circumstances, and possible long-term care needs.
What is a Special Needs Trust?
A Special Needs Trust is a legal planning tool that may allow a person with disabilities to use funds for an enhanced quality of life without affecting government benefits such as Medicaid. These trusts can be especially important for families who want to provide support while helping preserve eligibility for public benefits.
What happens if a family member does not have a power of attorney or health care proxy?
If a family member becomes unable to manage personal, financial, or health care decisions and did not plan in advance with a power of attorney or health care proxy, it may be necessary to ask the court to appoint a legal guardian. DHC can assist families with guardianship proceedings when court intervention is needed, including situations where an elderly or disabled family member may be taken advantage of.
Does DHC assist New York families with Medicaid and nursing home planning?
Yes. DHC’s Elder Law and Special Needs Law attorneys assist New York families with Medicaid planning, nursing home planning, asset protection, trusts, and related long-term care strategies. The firm counsels clients on appropriate planning options, including trusts and other authorized Medicaid-allowed transfers.
