Elder Law and Special Needs Planning

Complex decisions must be made as we age. Long-term care, estate planning, Social Security benefits, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, and medical directives are among the concerns of elders. This is a specialized area of the law and Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo LLP provides caring legal service to elders and their families to ensure a secure financial future for all.

Medicaid planning

Medicaid is a federal and New York State program that gives medical assistance to people with low incomes and limited assets and is a viable way to pay long-term care and nursing home costs. To qualify for Medicaid, you may have to transfer assets into a trust. That is why a qualified elder law attorney with Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo LLP can give you peace of mind when making Medicaid decisions. Your lawyer, also well-versed in trusts and estates, can clearly explain your options and the rules, regulations, and financial implications of each option.

Guardianships

Under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law, the New York legislature stipulates a guardianship system to help someone who is incapacitated to have the benefit of maximum independence, self-determination, and participation in decisions that affect his or her life. Article 17A of the Surrogate's Court Procedure ensures guardianship for mentally retarded and developmentally disabled persons. The compassionate lawyers of Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo LLP in Purchase, NY are deeply knowledgeable about these laws and can help you provide the best care possible for family members in need.

Special needs planning

Your will is not enough to ensure your disabled child's financial future. And how will you know that your child is well cared for after you are gone? Our special needs attorneys, including firm partner Frances Pantaleo, can advise you on the best ways to plan for your child's security and to do so without affecting benefits from federal government programs like Medicaid or Social Security Income (SSI).

Special needs planning may involve a special needs trust. Setting up this kind of trust lessens the strain on the rest of the family to care for your child. We can guide you through the process, including how to choose a trustee and preparing a draft of a letter of intent detailing your child's situation that is given to the trustee upon your death.

Take the time now to make specific plans for your child and give yourself, your child, and the rest of your family peace of mind.

Big city professionalism, small town personal attention

Located in Purchase, New York, Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo LLP offers the best of two worlds. Our clients rely on us to provide the kind of highly skilled, professional service they would expect from a pricey, big city firm coupled with the warm, personal attention they would expect within their communities. Let us help you and your family prepare for a financially sound future. Call us at 914-251-1115 or simply use our convenient online form to tell us how we can help you.

Serving New York City and New York's Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Ulster Counties