THE ATTORNEY/CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IN ELDER LAW

An Elder Law Attorney’s professional obligation lies with the client – not the client’s family. This means if relatives seek legal services from the same attorney, professional ethical standards relating to potential conflicts of interest must be met. When an older individual lacks the capacity to become a client, the lawyer may be able to […]

Arranging for Long Term Care

Don’t wait until a crisis occurs to plan. Advanced long‐term care planning is crucial. Many middle class New York seniors are faced with the prospect of a double disaster –first they may lose their health, and second, they may lose their lifetime savings to the catastrophic costs of long‐term care. Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC assists lower […]

WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES FOR WHICH YOU NEED TO PLAN?

How to have sufficient resources and income at retirement to support your preferred lifestyle. Where to live during retirement. Which estate and financial strategies, such as long‐term care insurance, to pursue for potential health and long‐term care needs, in order to reduce estate taxes and avoid probate. How to set up and guide substitute decision‐makers […]

HOW DO NEW YORK ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS DIFFER FROM OTHER ATTORNEYS?

Elder Law attorneys bring a different perspective to the delivery of services to their clients. They use a multi‐disciplinary approach to help seniors, people with disabilities and their families in a caring, compassionate way to preserve dignity for such individuals. Elder Law attorneys look at what is best for the aging client from all points of view in an […]

WHAT IS ELDER LAW?

Elder Law concentrates on legal representation, legal counseling, and assistance to seniors, people with disabilities and families with a variety of legal issues, from estate planning to long term care issues, with an emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for the individual. Elder Law attorneys use a multidisciplinary approach, addressing medical, financial, legal, […]

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER ABOUT HIRING A NEW YORK ELDER LAW ATTORNEY?

The most important considerations for a successful attorney-client relationship are trust and communication. You must feel comfortable that we are going to work with your best interests in mind. Concurrently, you must be honest with us about your expectations and concerns. We understand that the process and issues can be overwhelming and that we must […]

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MEETING WITH AN ELDER LAW ATTORNEY?

In general, the more organized and complete your information, the easier and less costly it will be for us to assist you. Make a copy of all of your important documents, such as your birth certificate, tax return, prior wills, Medicare or Medicaid applications, and social security benefit information, documentation on any trusts or other assets, or […]

SISTER APPOINTED GUARDIAN FOR ASSET PRESERVATION

Sister filed a petition to be appointed the NY Article 81 Guardian for the person and property of her brother, an alleged incapacitated person. A psychiatrist reviewed nursing home and hospital records, and evaluated him. The doctor opined that he lacked capacity to manage his personal needs and finances, and required the appointment of a […]

Saving Your Home With Medicaid in Buffalo

If you require nursing home care, your home can be transferred to certain relatives without disqualifying you from Medicaid. The five-year look-back period does not apply to transfers of your primary residence to: Your spouse and minor, disabled or blind children. Your sibling with an equity interest who has resided in the home for at […]