The media is filled with stories of deceased celebrities whose final wishes were either unknown or disputed. An important lesson: You can retain control of your visitation, funeral, and burial (or cremation) plans after death, provided you have a comprehensive estate plan in place. In addition to powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living

For many, turning 18 is a milestone birthday. They can vote, enter the military, or change their name. They are also able to make their own financial and medical decisions. On a person’s 18th birthday, they become a legally emancipated adult. This is true for a disabled individual, too, making the 18th birthday a potentially

On February 6, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act (MAID), making New York the 13th state to adopt similar legislation along with the District of Columbia. MAID has created a new Article 28-F to the New York Public Health Law, which will be effective August 5, 2026.

What

On December 12, 2025, Governor Hochul signed the New York Electronic Wills Act into law (the “EWA”).[i] Per the terms of the EWA, the legislation takes effect on June 10, 2027 (i.e., 545 days from its enactment), and will be codified as a new Section 3-6.1 et seq. of the New York Estates, Powers and

Often, people with long-term medical or cognitive conditions that limit their ability to manage their daily care need in-home assistance. Since home care typically costs between $25 and $35 an hour, without long-term care insurance, home care is unaffordable or financially devastating for many.

Subject to eligibility, New York Community-based Medicaid (Homecare) is a solution.

New York State’s Medicaid Homecare program pays for in-home personal care services. New York’s program has long been the best in the country.  One underlying policy behind the program was that people should have every opportunity to remain in the community.  A community focus provides two benefits: the social benefit derived from keeping people independent

Notwithstanding the concept of a “youth culture,” we all want the chance to grow old and live life on our terms, which takes thoughtful planning. Elder law planning is as important as having a healthy lifestyle and planning for retirement.

Elder law planning combines traditional estate planning, planning to maintain control of financial and personal

If you have a loved one with special needs, you know that caring for him or her can, at times, feel totally overwhelming. Presumably, you have retained an attorney to guide you through the special education process in your district. Now it is time to consider meeting with a special needs planning attorney to ensure

Trustee selection for a beneficiary with special needs presents unique challenges. The decision includes practical considerations: the proposed trustee’s geographic proximity to the beneficiary; familiarity with the needs of the beneficiary; and the time, inclination and ability to properly execute the duties that are unique to a trustee administering a trust for a person with

The media is filled with stories of deceased celebrities whose final wishes were either unknown or the subject of dispute. An important lesson: You can retain control of your finances after incapacity and remain in control of your visitation, funeral and burial (or cremation) plans after death, provided you have a comprehensive estate plan in