Hamilton County Elder Law Lawyers

Andrew J. Gilbride tirelessly and aggressively represents individuals and families in their time of need, including matters related to Family Law, Divorce Law, Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Personal Injury, Elder Care, Estate Planning, Landlord /Tenant disputes, Civil Litigation and General Business issues.

Before founding the firm, Mr. Gilbride was a highly successful Wall Street professional, trading gold futures on the New York Commodities exchange. Navigating the highly competitive and aggressive world of Wall Street prepared Mr. Gilbride for a successful law career, with a carefully honed ability to handle the most contentious court matters with agility and professionalism. Additionally, due...

I want to help people, using my training and skills, to protect themselves and their loved ones, legally and to accomplish their financial goals.

I am passionate about business and financial matters (and math!). I find too many people who could have used the assistance of a business attorney and counselor, do not avail themselves of one, and then something unexpected happens, and they find themselves in an avoidable, unwanted situation. I will do my best to help you avoid such circumstances. My practice is limited in scope and much of what I can help you with is located on my...

Larry J. Kramer worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for more than 8 years. He represented both individuals and large, multi-national corporations. During his tenure at Liberty Mutual, Mr. Kramer handled hundreds of cases involving all types of accidents and injuries. He was responsible for defending and trying a full compliment of cases. The knowledge and experience acquired while working for one of the nations largest insurance companies has ingrained an unparalleled level of insight, forethought, tactics and professionalism. Mr. Kramer knows the handling, evaluation and settlement procedures that are employed by most insurance companies. Due in large part to...

Susan M. Maya graduated Magna Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law where she attended as a Dean’s Scholar. While at Quinnipiac she received seven outstanding academic achievement awards. Ms. Maya was an academic invitee on the Quinnipiac Law Review where she held the position of Associate Editor. Ms. Maya graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Ms. Maya practices in the areas of Trusts and Estates, Special Education Law, and Executive Compensation Law. She is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut. She lives with her family in Westport, CT.

Mediator and attorney with extensive experience in prenuptial, separation, divorce, custody, visitation, alimony, elder, business, estate and other family law and adult family issues. Serving mediation clients in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties in New York and Fairfield, New Haven & Litchfield Counties in Connecticut. Disputes are stressful, and it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with whatever resolution process you choose. During our 30 minute free consultation, I can answer any questions you might have and let you get a sense of what it would be like to work together.

Stephen J. Silverberg is nationally recognized as a leader in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, asset preservation planning, and elder law. He is a past president of the prestigious National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and a founding member and past president of the New York State chapter of NAELA. He holds the designation of a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), awarded by the National Elder Law Foundation. There are fewer than 520 CELAs throughout the United States.

Gina Raio Bitsimis is Of Counsel at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. She joined the firm in February 2021 having previously worked over twenty-five years in prominent Trusts and Estates law firms. Gina’s practice includes all Surrogate’s Court proceedings to appoint an Executor or Administrator of an estate, preparation of fiduciary accountings, and preparation of New York State and Federal estate tax returns. In addition, she is well versed in Real Estate Transactions. As a result of her proficiency in all matters of Trusts and Estates, Gina dedicates her time to educating and counseling clients on timely and sensitive matters. In addition,...

I am a former Assistant District Attorney from the Bronx County District Attorney's Office, who specializes in Criminal Defense and Disciplinary Law. I represent union members and private clientele and practice in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and Upstate New York.

Ronald E. Stiskin is passionate about assisting families and individuals in transition. Whether securing educational services for children with special needs; planning for the future of disabled adults; or helping seniors and their families identify their next steps, Ronald is committed to guiding his clients to their best outcome. Ronald has taken training from the American Bar Association in Advance Directives and Estate Planning for LGBT Adults. He has also been trained in Elder Law mediation. Ronald E. Stiskin graduated from Harvard University in 1986 (B.A. with honors in Sanskrit and Indian Studies) and from Dalhousie Law School, Nova Scotia, Canada in...

Joshua Pollack was selected among top attorneys in the New York Metro Area as a Super Lawyer. He was selected through a rigorous evaluation process that identifies qualified candidates by using a multi-step evaluation process that incorporates peer recognition and professional achievement.

Joshua Pollack graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 1990 and, shortly thereafter, became a trial attorney representing the City of New York. During his tenure with the City, Josh selected over 100 juries and took over 60 verdicts on cases involving all types of claims including, trip and fall accidents, auto accidents, school supervision, police misconduct, unsafe place to...

George Gray is a partner in the law firm of Gray & Feldman LLP, where his practice concentrates in the areas of special needs planning, estate planning and administration, business and tax law. He is a member of the Monroe County and New York State Bar Associations and is active in the Tax and Trust and Estates Sections of these associations. He serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Monroe County Estate Planning Council and is active on its Program Committee. SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING: Through his long association with the...

Melissa Negrin-Wiener is a senior partner at Cona Elder Law. Ms. Negrin-Wiener manages the Government Benefits Department, concentrating her practice in the areas of asset protection, Medicaid eligibility planning, estate planning, special needs planning, mediation, guardianships and Veteran benefits. She supervises the preparation of Medicaid Applications for nursing home care, home health care and community benefits, resolves complex Medicaid issues and represents families facing a reduction in Medicaid home care hours and services.

Patrick R. Garcia is an experienced attorney in the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. His practice areas include Family Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law, Elder Law and Estate Planning. Mr. Garcia received his J.D. from the New York University and has been licensed in the State of New York since 1983.

For over 15 years Darren Swetz has been helping individuals and business navigate a range of legal issues to help them achieve financial success, economic stability or a fresh start. At Tully Rinckey PLLC he is a Partner who represents New Yorkers with the preparation of wills, trusts and advanced directives; Medicaid planning; and real estate transactions and leases. Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Mr. Swetz served as Managing Partner at Kelly & Swetz for more than a dozen years, where he focused his practice on wealth management and asset preservation. Before that he operated...

Joshua P. Blumberg is a partner at Blumberg, Cherkoss, Fitz Gibbons & Blumberg and one of the most promising and diligent attorneys in the Amityville legal community. Mr. Blumberg followed in the footsteps of both his grandfather and father (H. Lee Blumberg) by attending the University of Michigan, where he earned his B.A. He then went on to be admitted to Tulane University, where he graduated with his Juris Doctor in 2000. He was admitted to the New York and U.S. District Court bar that same year. After joining his father at Blumberg, Cherkoss, Fitz Gibbons & Blumberg, Mr. Blumberg...

As the founder of The Law Firm of Michael L. Pfeifer, P.C., Nassau County attorney Michael L. Pfeifer Esq. offers legal services in estate planning and elder law issues. Since 1987, he has been in the legal field. Attorney Pfeifer was recognized by the New York Law Journal as one of the top rated lawyers in the New York area. He is a graduate of the Stony Brook University and the Pace University School of Law. Mr. Pfeifer is an instructor at the Nassau Academy of Law and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Kenneth S. Feraru, Esq., has extensive experience in: Personal Injury, Criminal Defense and White Collar Crime, Traffic tickets, Violations, Personal Injury, Trip and Fall, Car Accidents, Wills, Real Estate and much more. He covers the entire New York and Long Island area. Office Located in Garden City Long Island, Nassau County, New York. Attorney Feraru handles your case personally, and is available for his clients 24/7. He has practiced for nearly 29 years.

Joseph Klein is a founding partner of Korsinsky & Klein, LLP. He manages the firm’s elder law group, which includes handling all aspects of elder law planning and Medicaid planning. He has extensive experience with complex trusts and estates and regularly practices in the Surrogate’s Court in New York State. He is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School and is admitted to both the New York and New Jersey Bars. In addition to being an attorney, Mr. Klein is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New York State.

Joseph is an active member of the New York State Bar Association...

Ellen Makofsky has concentrated her practice in Elder Law and Trusts and Estates and Probate and Estate Administration for over three decades. The National Elder Law Foundation has named her a certified elder law attorney(CELA). Ms. Makofsky is a past President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, New York Chapter and completed a third term as Secretary of the New York Bar Association (NYSBA), the largest voluntary Bar in the United States. She served as Chair of NYSBA's Committee on Legal Education and as Co-Chair of NYSBA's Women in the Law Committee and is Chair of...

After attending St. John's University School of Law, I was nominated to and received a position as a court attorney with the Appellate Division, Second Department. After two years, I entered private practice, involved with commercial transactions and litigation. Today, I operate a boutique practice, aligning my clients' needs with the specific requirements of their case. We provide services to clients in the areas of personal injury, trusts and estates, and consumer law. Rather than trying to be experts in all areas, we partner and co-counsel with amazing attorneys who are fantastic at what they do, so as...

Mr. Futterman established the law firm of Futterman & Lanza in Smithtown, New York after working for several years at a premier Long Island Elder Law and Estate Planning firm and after establishing a successful solo practice located in Commack, New York. An adjunct professor at a Long Island based College, Mr. Futterman’s work experience as a Certified Public Accountant with two of the world’s largest public accounting firms enhances his ability to resolve the complex legal issues that arise in his Estate Planning, Tax, and Elder Law practice. The legal and tax experience Mr. Futterman has acquired...

Charles Kurmay has nearly two decades of legal experience. He began his career as a judicial law clerk and public defender, gaining a valuable foundation of trial skills and experience. His firm now offers services in a broad range of civil and criminal practice areas, including business law, international law, personal injury, probate and real estate. A native of Stratford, Connecticut, Mr. Kurmay is well-respected in the local community for the high quality of his legal advocacy. His extensive experience in state and federal court equips him to handle large, complex cases with ease. Mr. Kurmay is active in...

Donna Stefans is the founder and lead attorney at Stefans Law Group, PC. She has over 23 years of experience in elder law, estate and asset protection planning, estate administration, geriatric care management, special needs planning, guardianship, elder law abuse and neglect, retirement income planning and Medicaid optimization. Ms. Stefans is also the President of Stefans Associates, Inc., a full service personal, business, and Trust, Income Tax and Accounting practice. The third major part of Ms. Stefans’ practice is capital management and investments. She has over 30 years of experience in retirement planning, asset protection planning, and wealth management. She...

I am a solo practice elder law attorney with a Masters in finance. I focus mainly in the area of elder law which includes Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Will Preparation, Estate Planning, Trusts, Deeds, Power of Attorney, Medicaid planning, Special Needs Trusts, Caregiver Agreements. I am available to see clients in one of my two office locations in PA or NY and to travel to clients residence in South Central Pennsylvania and New York.

James K. Riley is an attorney who provides clients with personal injury and product liability advocacy in New York and New Jersey. He also serves his clients in the complex areas of estate planning, estate administration, elder law business and tax planning in both states. Mr. Riley teaches as an Adjunct Professor in the fields of estate planning, elder law and finanical planning at Pace University in White Plains, New York as well as in the field of education law at Long Island University and Pace University. Mr. Riley is an Accredited Estate Planner and a Certified Financial Planner. He...

Donald Fox practices in the areas of real estate, trusts and estates and business related issues. He also has a busy practice in the area of not-for-profit organizations and serves as counsel for churches, fire departments and numerous other community organizations. Don counsels extensively with the firm’s business clients in all areas of contracts, leasing and business transactions. His extensive background in tax gives him a unique understanding of complex business issues from multiple perspectives. This skill also permits an in-depth analysis in the area of estate planning. In the face of many public policy uncertainties, Don’s in-depth knowledge...

As the only Certified Elder Law Attorney in the Mid-Hudson region, I am committed to providing the best estate planning and elder law services to our clients.

Effective estate, business and asset protection planning can only occur when the client truly understands their goals and objectives. Only then can we engage in a discovery process that can turn the client's hopes and dreams a reality. Our counseling-based approach is designed to make sure that the plan design is client driven, rather than attorney driven. Our maintenance plan helps ensure that the client's plan stays up-to-date though the many legal and life...

Attorney Jeffrey Benjamin is enjoying his third decade of practicing law. In 1997, he started practicing law in the field of consumer protection and class actions. Out of the starting gate, he was trying cases, arguing substantial motions and appeals, and building a practice under the motto: “Doing Well, by Doing Good.”

Today, he continues to develop skill and expertise in trial and appellate advocacy. Adversary counsel against him come from some of the largest and most resourceful firms in New York City down to competent and capable sole practitioners. From the beginning of his practice, Mr. Benjamin has felt that...

Cynthia Ann K. Manchester has over 25 years of experience in the handling of personal injury cases, including car, motorcycle and trucking accidents, slip or trip and fall accidents, wrongful death cases, sexual abuse cases and other complex personal injury claims in both state and federal court. In addition, she routinely represents clients in estate planning, Medicaid planning and estate litigation.

She regularly represents clients in the Binghamton, Whitney Point, Greene, Owego and Cortland, New York areas and serves clients throughout Broome, Tioga, Cortland, Tompkins and Delaware county.

If Ken Gonzalez values one thing above all else, it’s putting his clients first. He wants the people he serves to understand that the foundation of estate planning isn’t just saving tax dollars, but also appreciating the value of planning for you and your loved ones. With nearly a quarter century of legal experience, Ken has gained expertise in the fields of estate planning, elder law, and probate, as well as real estate purchases, sales, and financing. He routinely prepares estate plans for asset protection and wealth preservation. Additionally, he assists clients seeking to qualify for Medicaid benefits. Ken is a...

Ms. Somekh enjoys serving her clients’ elder law needs especially those affecting their health and wealth. She has served in guardianship cases as court evaluator, court-appointed counsel, temporary guardian and guardian-ad-litem. She has served as a Judicial Hearing Officer for the State of New York, where hearing appeals of real property tax reductions cases. Prior to building a successful elder advocacy firm, Ms. Somekh was assistant vice president of First Northern Mortgagee Corp., and an associate of Cullen & Dykman, one of New York City’s oldest and largest law firms.

Ms. Somekh graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1981 and received...

Jackie Cara has been practicing law for over 20 years and has spent most of her career helping families meet life's uncertainties and milestones. Her passion for estate planning started with the birth of a special needs child and learned, firsthand, how important advanced and considered planning is. Her personal experience provides clients with a unique, understanding perspective. Her practice started by working with other parents with children who has special needs and required advanced planning to make sure their needs were met, not just now, but for the future. A desire to help...

In this fast paced digital world, I believe in slowing down and building personal relationships with clients. We make house calls, do video consultations, hold family meetings. We offer weekend and weeknight appointments. We offer flat fee pricing for estate planning so you can ask as many questions as you like. Consultations are always free.

I offer a boutique law firm experience, with personalized attention and tailored solutions. Former Brooklyn prosecutor turned friendly neighborhood attorney.

Robert J. Zysk has a highly technical background, including Engineering School studies; former employment as an Internal Revenue Officer and investigator; and facility with the Laws of Taxation and the Internal Revenue Code. During 41 years of private practice, I have developed a broad spectrum of experience and facility in numerous areas of the law, as further indicated in my profile. I represent businesses and entreprenuers in all types of Civil Litigation. Elder Law has emerged as one of my practice areas and I am knowlegeable and draft Faimly Trusts. My practice is thus manifold and flexibile....

Nicholas S. Ratush, Esq., is licensed to practice before State and Federal Courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New York. Nicholas Ratush believes that effective client representation starts with a thorough examination of every detail of a case. That process often leads him to discover the vital pieces of information that are essential to develop highly effective strategies for dealing with the issues presented. Nicholas was born in Kiev, Ukraine and grew up in New York. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University majoring in Information Systems. He received his Juris...

William G. Goode received his B.A. in Economics from the College of William & Mary in 1996. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the University of Richmond in 1999. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and to the New York Federal Courts, Southern and Eastern Districts, in 2001. In 2008, Mr. Goode received an MBA in Corporate Finance from Dowling College.

After graduating from Law School, Mr. Goode worked for a large Long Island Law Firm in the Trusts & Estate Department, the Litigation Department and the Corporate...

Helping clients with estate planning and probate matters. Services include: Estate Planning including: Wills Trusts Power of Attorney documents Health Care Proxies/Living Wills Various other legal arrangements and documents needed with estate planning matters Probate Estate Administration The office is located on Main Street in the Village of Williamsville, NY with ample parking on the side and back of the building as well. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp into the building and the office is on the one and only first floor. Appointments can be made to fit scheduling needs. Email: ruth@ruthpgeorgelaw.com

Our office is OPEN following COVID-19 protocols.


About Me:
As the daughter of Italian immigrants, the values of hard work, education, and integrity were instilled at a young age. In two decades of practicing law, I have learned not only the mechanics of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate, and Guardianships, and but also the importance of compassion and understanding in dealing with clients who are enduring emotionally difficult times. I receive immense satisfaction from serving clients in their greatest times of need. What I love most about my job is helping people. Many times a client comes to...

My passion is helping individuals and families achieve peace of mind, by developing and implementing customized, well-structured and comprehensive plans. As part of my family oriented estate planning process, I have an initial meeting with every client, so I can clearly understand their needs and intentions. At that meeting, I use my legal experience, of over 20 years in practice, to inform my clients about how their estate planning documents will advance their cherished family goals.

This thoughtful and caring guidance is given in plain English, so my clients know what they need to do, in order ensure that their...