Melissa Sue Doris

Melissa Sue Doris

Senior Associate Attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C.
  • Probate, Real Estate Law, Elder Law ...
  • New York
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Biography

Melissa Doris joined Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. in February 2020 as Senior Associate attorney. Prior to her work at the firm, Melissa gained over a decade of experience at a prominent Long Island Trusts and Estates law firm. Her wealth of knowledge is extensive in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration, Taxation, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning and Residential Real Estate where she focuses her practice.

Melissa was recognized as The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Elder Law and Trusts & Estates in Setauket, NY in the 2024 and 2025 editions.

Melissa received her Bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated cum laude from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2010.

Melissa previously volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Association. From 2015 to 2020, she served as a committee member and played a key role in establishing the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Yaphank. She continues to be a dedicated supporter and active participant in the Walk. Melissa's commitment to finding a cure and supporting seniors and their families is invaluable. She understands the pain and confusion of living with dementia from her own family’s experience. Melissa’s professional acumen goes beyond her decade of experience in this area of the law and is evident in the care and compassion she brings to her practice.

Melissa is admitted to practice law in New York State and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Suffolk County Bar Association. She lives in Setauket with her family.

Melissa is admitted to practice law in New York State and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Suffolk County Bar Association.

Practice Areas
Probate
Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
Elder Law
Estate Planning
Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New York
New York State Office of Court Administration
ID Number: 4898334
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Senior Associate Attorney
Burner Prudenti Law, P.C.
- Current
Melissa Doris joined Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. in February 2020. She has brought with her a wealth of knowledge in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, taxation, elder law, special needs planning and residential real estate.
Attorney
Twomey Latham Shea Kelley Dubin & Quartararo, LLP
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Education
Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
J.D. (2011)
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Honors: Melissa Doris graduated cum laude from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.
Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center Logo
Adelphi University
B.A. (2005)
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Adelphi University Logo
Professional Associations
New York State Bar Association  # 808993
Member
- Current
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Suffolk County Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Alzheimer's Associaton
Committee Member
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Estate Planning for Artists: Legal Strategies for Protecting Artistic Legacies
South Shore Press
How to Collect on Life Insurance Proceeds
South Shore Press
Estate Planning Update: Adjusting for a Beneficiary's Disability
South Shore Press
Will I Get Taxed on the Inheritance I Receive?
South Shore Press
Avoiding Probate with a Revocable Trust
Times Beacon Record
Do You Need a Life Insurance Trust?
South Shore Press
Does an Executor Need to Hire an Attorney?
South Shore Press
Guiding Your Executor: Navigating the Probate Process and Exploring Options
Times Beacon Record
Drama Free Ways to Disinherit a Child
South Shore Press
Small Business Decisions: Should My LLC be an S-Corporation?
South Shore Press
What to do with the proceeds from the sale of a property in a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust
South Shore Press
What is a Small Estate Proceeding?
South Shore Press
Fixing an Old Trust to Avoid Capital Gains Tax for Heirs
South Shore Press
Dying without a Will in New York State
South Shore Press
What is the difference between a sole benefit trust and a supplemental needs trust?
South Shore Press
Who owns the property when there is a life estate?
South Shore Press
How much is an executor paid?
South Shore Press
What Every Spouse Needs to Know About Estate Taxes
South Shore Press
Is a Beneficiary of a Will Entitled to an Accounting?
South Shore Press
Should I put my rental property in an LLC?
South Shore Press
Steps in a Real Estate Closing
South Shore Press
Don’t Just Deed it All Away
South Shore Press
Should I remove my deceased spouse from the deed to our property?
Times Beacon Record
Can you be removed from a deed without your consent?
South Shore Press
Can Spouses Disinherit Each Other?
South Shore Press
What are the Different Kinds of Deeds?
South Shore Press
Does an Executor have to provide an accounting to beneficiaries?
South Shore Press
What is the Role of an Attorney in a Real Estate Closing?
Times Beacon Record
Basic Steps in a Residential Real Estate Transaction
South Shore Press
Avoiding Probate with an Affidavit
South Shore Press
Why You Should Never Keep a Will in a Safe Deposit Box
South Shore Press
Who is a Distributee?
South Shore Press
How Do I Know If I Have to Probate the Will?
South Shore Press
Speaking Engagements
Estate Planning When There's a Diagnosis: How to Plan for You and Your Loved One, Rogers Memorial Library
Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center
In conjunction with Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center, join Melissa Doris, Esq. of Burner Law Group, P.C. as she discusses having basic Estate Planning documents in place including a health care proxy, power of attorney and more. Learn what tools you can utilize now and in the future to protect yourself and your loved one and successfully age in place.
Websites & Blogs
Website
Burner Prudenti Law, P.C.
Blog
Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. Blog
Contact & Map
Burner Prudenti Law, P.C.
East Setauket Office
12 Research Way
East Setauket, NY 11733
Telephone: (631) 941-3434
Fax: (631) 941-3443
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 8 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed