Areas of Practice
ESTATES, TRUSTS AND PERSONAL PLANNING
Kathleen works with clients in creating individualized estate plans to ensure their assets will be distributed to family members, friends or charitable organizations of their choosing. She has experience in comprehensive planning for both simple estates and complex estates which may involve planning to minimize federal and New York State estate tax liability.
Kathleen strongly believes that there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” estate plan. She will work closely with you to ensure your particular needs are addressed and your wishes are followed.
Kathleen also counsels clients in contested estate and trust matters such as Will contests, disputed estate and trust accountings, beneficiary and fiduciary disputes, and actions by and against Executors and Trustees.
Specific services include:
- Wills and Trusts planning and drafting
- Estate and Trust administration, including Probate
- Estate tax planning
- Health Care Proxies and Living Wills
- Powers of Attorney
- Representing Executors from probate to final distribution
- Preparation of Federal and New York Estate Tax Returns
ELDER LAW AND PLANNING FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS
Kathleen provides counsel to those who face long-term health care costs, either at home or in a nursing home, by providing comprehensive planning to ensure that their assets will be protected to the greatest extent possible.
Kathleen also advises individuals with disabilities and their families on issues of protecting assets and maintaining qualification for governmental benefits.There are various options available to protect your assets from the escalating costs of health care. Kathleen assists clients with the following legal services:
- Irrevocable Asset Protection Trusts
- Supplemental Needs Trusts
- Medicare and Medicaid eligibility requirements
- Planning transfer of assets for Medicaid eligibility
- Planning to ensure preservation of governmental benefits such as SSI, SSD and Medicaid
- Representation in guardianship hearings for disabled individuals
Kathleen can create a unique and effective plan for you and your family.
GUARDIANSHIPS
New York has a special Court proceeding for the appointment of a Guardian for the personal needs and property management of an individual. This type of proceeding may be necessary where an individual has not signed a Power or Attorney and/or Health Care Proxy, yet needs assistance with his or her financial affairs and in making health care decisions.
Kathleen provides representation in Guardianship proceedings to both the Petitioner (the person seeking to be appointed as the Guardian) and to the incapacitated person who may wish to contest the appointment of a Guardian. Kathleen also acts as a Court-appointed Guardian in cases where there are no family members available to act.
REAL ESTATE LAW
Kathleen represents clients in residential real estate purchases and sales.