Tivoli Elder Law Lawyers

Theodore Alatsas, Esq. was born the child of Greek immigrants in the early 1970s. Growing up in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Theodore learned the importance of hard work and dedication to his community at an early age. As an exemplary student and community activist, Theodore often volunteered his time to help those who needed it. Theodore attended Brooklyn Technical High School, New York University and St. John’ s University School of Law. During his early 20s, Theodore worked his way through college and law school, while at the same time actively participating and leading various civic organizations.


Among these organizations are the...

With nearly three decades of experience practicing Bankruptcy law and Social Security law in Buffalo, Paul Pochepan is able to help consumers facing financial hardships and disabled individuals and their dependents. He has helped many Western New York consumers navigate the bankruptcy system under chapter 7 or chapter 13. He also helps Buffalo-area residents apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or appeal Social Security Administration decisions denying, reducing or revoking benefits. He has accumulated a wealth of knowledge regarding the multiple medical impairments afflicting disability claimants and dealing with the medical profession to secure the...

Brooke Barron is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Matrimonial & Family Law and Estate Planning & Administration Practice Groups.

Ms. Barron obtained her B.S. in Business Administration from SUNY Geneseo, and received her Juris Doctor in 2018 from American University- Washington College of Law.

While in law school, Ms. Barron was an Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition winner. Additionally, Ms. Barron was a law clerk for Commissioner Feldblum at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in Washington, D.C. and a student attorney for American University- Washington College of Law’s Civil Advocacy Clinic. Ms. Barron had also previously been employed at HoganWillig as...

Diane Tiveron is a Partner and the Chairperson of the Corporate & Business Law Department at Tiveron Law PLLC. With over 29 years of legal experience and a educational background in economics and business administration, Ms. Tiveron assists clients with business formations (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, and limited liability companies), acquisitions, sales or dissolutions, as well as the preparation of any commercial document/contract, ranging from an employment agreement to a lease. She counsels non-for-profit organizations on nonprofit law and governance, obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status and 501(c) classifications. Ms. Tiveron also advises individuals and businesses with bankruptcy issues (Chapter...

Jessica Peraza is Counsel working with the firm’s Trusts & Estates Department. She focuses her practice on Estate Planning and Administration, Medicaid and Long-term Care Planning, and Wealth Management. As a law student, she interned for the Hon. Barbara Howe in Erie County Surrogate’s Court and worked in the Public Benefits Unit of Neighborhood Legal Services. Her previous experience includes residential foreclosures, public and private sector labor law, contract negotiations, probate matters, third party credit collections, and representation of clients in administrative hearings and arbitrations. Ms. Peraza attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York where she graduated with a...

J. Michael Kelleher graduated cum laude from St. Bonaventure University with a B.A. in 1967, and received his legal education at the University Of Notre Dame, graduating in 1970. Mr. Kelleher was Town Justice for the Town of Lancaster from 1975 to 2014 and is Senior Counsel at Tiveron Law since joining the firm in 2011. Mr. Kelleher has focused his practice in commercial and residential real estate as well probate, estate planning, and corporate law since 1970. He is a member of the Real Estate and Estate Practice and Procedure Committees of the Erie County Bar Association. Mr. Kelleher has lectured...

My firm is dedicated to helping you and your loved ones achieve your estate planning objectives in a caring and compassionate manner. He fully recognizes the emotional challenges of preparing for the time when you will pass on your assets, values and family legacy to your heirs and loved ones. My approach to practice is dedicated to caring for you, the ones that you love and the things that you care about most. The focus is building solid, trusting and lasting relationships that you and your family can count on now and in the future. We work hard...

As a Senior Associate at Tully Rinckey, PLLC, Christine is part of the Family and Matrimonial Law group, where she focuses on divorce and child custody cases. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in family and matrimonial matters, working as both a private practitioner and public defender. She is also a member of the Tully Rinckey Trust and Estates group, representing persons with a wide variety of estate planning and directives.

Before joining Tully Rinckey, Christine spent 10 years as a Court Attorney and Referee to the Hon. Patricia Gallaher, acting state Supreme Court Justice and Family Court Judge...

Spencer’s experience across diverse areas of the law enables him to provide effective legal advice and services to a variety of clients, including those who require legal assistance in the areas of: Estate Planning; Estate and Trust Administration; Drafting wills, trusts, health care proxies and durable powers of attorney; Related Elder Law matters such as planning for nursing home costs and Medicaid eligibility; Estate litigation; and Commercial and Residential Real Estate Transfers and Leasing.

Stephen R. Silverstein concentrates his practice in the areas of estate and disability planning, estate administration, guardianships and elder law.

He is a graduate of the University of Rochester and the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. He is a former bank trust officer, where he worked on administration of estates, trusts and employee benefit plans.

Mr. Silverstein is a member of the Bar Association of Erie County Surrogate’s Court Committee and serves as the Committee’s Recording Secretary. He is also a member of the Bar Association of Erie County Elder Law Committee and...

Whether you are looking to prepare for the future or need help with a current legal issue, you can find comfort in knowing that Matthew will be protecting your interests no matter how big or small. While many estate planning and elder law issues can be very complicated, Matthew can explain all available options in an easy to understand manner. Lenza Law, PLLC was founded with the goal to bring a new approach to estate planning and elder law. We strive to keep clients informed and prepared, thus making the estate planning and administration process as stress-free as possible.

Practicing since 1991 in Binghamton, Owego, Ithaca, Cortland, Norwich, Broome County, Tioga County, Tompkins County, Chenango County, Delaware County, and Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, as well as remotely via the internet.

Particularly interested in planning to minimize the erosion of assets due to common threats that we all face, such as incapacity, long term care costs, nursing home expenses, how to distribute your estate, keeping legacy camps in the family, planning for a disabled child, income and estate taxes, probate, and creditors claims.

Debra Cohn is the Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Binghamton office. She focuses her practice on Family and Matrimonial Law, including Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody, Child Visitation, Spousal Support and Paternity. Debra has over 10 years of experience and skill representing clients in a vast array of topics relating to family and matrimonial law. She is dedicated to providing exceptional representation and the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Debra is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Broome County Bar Association. She has an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating. Debra received...

Kenneth Kraus helps individuals and families prepare their estate plan, including Wills, asset protection Trusts, Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNTs), Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies. He also assists with the probate process including the preparation of income, fiduciary, gift and estate tax returns and the sale of real estate. In addition, Ken works with families to help them understand the complexities of long-term care financing, including Medicare, Medicaid, home care and nursing home planning. Given the ever-changing estate and income tax laws and the increasing concern of special needs and long-term care planning, Ken’s depth and breadth of experience...

Douglas Gawel is an attorney practicing in Tiveron Law’s Estate Planning & Elder Law Departments, with an emphasis on Estate Administration, Probates, Trusts, and Last Will & Testament litigation. Mr. Gawel obtained his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and his undergraduate degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Douglas has been admitted to practice law in New York and Pennsylvania and is a current member of those States’ Bar Association. Mr. Gawel’s prior experience at smaller firms taught him the importance of being able to handle a client’s case from inception to...

We chose to remain a small law office to provide personal, dedicated and aggressive service to our clients. My office costs a few dollars more but excellent service takes time and strategy. Offsetting our higher fees we have payment plans. We have seven lawyers working together to get the best solutions. As a small firm we call upon all areas of the law to form a comprehensive strategy and plan. As in a game making the right move determines the outcome of the case. A divorce case is often helped by a bankruptcy or our tax law knowledge. We create...

As a Senior Associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Real Estate Law practice, Raymond focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate financing transactions, commercial real estate transactions and development, title review and commitment preparation. He represents developers in subdivision acquisitions, and he represents lenders in commercial and residential mortgage transactions, as well as commercial and residential purchasers and sellers.

Raymond has extensive experience drafting residential and commercial contracts of sale, leases and mortgage documents including, but not limited to: commitment letters, promissory notes, mortgages, security agreements, assignment of rents and leases, environmental compliance and indemnity agreements, unlimited guarantees and UCC-1...

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...

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...

I became an Attorney and Counselor at Law to guide families just like mine in the intimidating and some time convoluted judicial process. My ambition is to provide value and shape the culture in our communities for women just like me.

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.

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...

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...

Stephen Bennett represents clients in a wide variety of matters. Steve represents business owners throughout the lifecycle of their business from start up, to hiring their first employee, to acquisitions of equipment and other businesses, all the way to sale or transition to inside or outside ownership. Steve’s experience in representing many local lenders in secured transactions also allows him to provide a different perspective to his business clients. In addition, Steve counsels clients in both basic estate planning (Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Proxies) and in more complex estate and estate tax planning. Long-term care is a...

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...

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...

A holistic approach to your legal matters. I am a trained divorce mediator and experienced attorney who works primarily with clients who choose to seek resolution of their divorce, family law, and other legal matters outside of the court room through mediation and collaborative law. In addition to his mediation practice, Tom has fifteen years of experience practicing matrimonial and family law, real estate law and elder law in the Finger Lakes and is the owner of Law Office of Thomas W. Seeley, PC and Finger Lakes Holistic Divorce Mediation, Inc.
Tom encourages clients to integrate...

I've lived in New York all my life, earning my B.A. from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo in 1975. In 1977, I also earned my Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law. I believe being an active participant in the community is essential for a successful law practice. My law firm partner and I have been working with Buffalo and WNY residents for almost four decades, so we're not surprised when clients tell us we've helped a member of their family or neighbor in the past. We have 13 locations across New York and practice law in many areas. Our website has numerous free...

I am a trust and estates attorney practicing at a boutique firm in Rochester, New York. I help clients protect their assets and create a legacy for their children, grandchildren, and charitable causes.

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...

Alycia K. Kimmel practices in the areas of estate planning and estate administration, elder law, real estate and not-for-profit matters. She is admitted to practice in the states of New York and Florida. She practices primarily in Broome County, as well as the following surrounding counties: Tompkins, Tioga, Chemung, Steuben, Chenango, and Schuyler.

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...

Summary: For the last twenty-two years I have been a country lawyer dealing mostly with the lives, rights, and problems of rural people. For the preceding thirty years, I had a career as a software engineer, communications engineer and high technology consultant at all levels of government in areas of energy, environment, national security, and foreign affairs.

Employment History: 1997 - Present: Attorney & Counselor at Law, The Ross Scott Law Firm, Andover, NY.

Focus on complex and first impression environmental issues, energy, technology, and Constitutional law, but also serving a broad local clientele as both counselor and litigator.

Experience at...