Why Clients Trust Us
Explore testimonials from individuals and families who have benefited from Ettinger Law Firm’s expertise. Learn how we provide peace of mind through comprehensive legal solutions.
The 9th Judicial District Surrogate Court for Dutchess County is located on 10 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. In New York State, the administration of a deceased person’s estate comes under its jurisdiction. Honorable James D. Pagones oversees Surrogate Court probate proceedings which include distributing assets in accordance with State law if a valid will is not in place.
Dutchess County, sitting majestically in the historic mid-Hudson Valley, is the home to several notable institutions like Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Hyde Park, the Beekman Arms (the oldest inn in the country), and Seven Sisters’ colleges, Vassar and Bard. As the northernmost county in the New York metropolitan area, it includes the city of Poughkeepsie as well as the towns of Dover, Fishkill, Hyde Park, Hopewell Junction, Millbrook, Millerton, Rhinebeck, Pawling, Pine Plains and Wappinger Falls.
Every New Yorker should consider both tools as part of their overall plan. A will names guardians, designates executors, and directs where certain assets go. However, wills require probate—a public, expensive process that can take 12-18 months in New York. A trust avoids probate, keeps your family’s business private, and continues managing assets if you become incapacitated. Many Mid-Hudson families we serve find that a trust handles most assets while a pour-over will catches anything missed. Your situation is unique, so our Fishkill office offers a free consultation to determine the best combination for your family.
Fishkill clients benefit from our full range of elder law and estate planning services: Revocable Trusts and Irrevocable Trusts to protect and transfer assets efficiently; Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts specifically designed for Dutchess and Putnam County families facing long-term care decisions; comprehensive Wills and Probate Administration; Powers of Attorney for financial management during incapacity; Healthcare Proxies and Living Wills to ensure your medical wishes are honored; Special Needs Trusts for disabled beneficiaries; and Estate Tax Planning to reduce tax burdens on larger estates. We also provide detailed guidance on Dutchess and Putnam County Surrogate Court procedures. Our Lifetime Estate Planning Process includes ongoing support, free plan reviews every three years, and updates as tax laws and your life circumstances change.
Yes—Medicaid planning is critical for Dutchess and Putnam County families. Whether you’re proactive or facing an immediate long-term care need, our Fishkill office has deep experience. For advance planning, we create Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts that protect family assets. If a loved one needs nursing home (Institutional) or home care (Community) immediately, we execute crisis planning strategies to safeguard remaining assets. We guide families through the detailed Medicaid application process, ensuring every asset and transfer is properly documented to maximize eligibility. We’ve helped thousands navigate New York’s complex Medicaid rules and understand the subtle differences between long-term care at home (Community Medicaid) or in a nursing facility (Institutional Medicaid) options available to Dutchess and Putnam County residents.
Scheduling a free consultation is straightforward. Call our Fishkill office directly at (845) 897-4700 or reach us toll free at 1-800-500-2525. You can also submit your information through trustlaw.com. Your first session includes: review of existing estate documents; in-depth discussion of your assets, family situation, and goals; comprehensive answers to your estate planning questions; a complimentary copy of our “Guide to Protecting Your Future”; and access to our 37-minute educational video on trust benefits. After 2-3 weeks, we invite you back for a second free consultation to finalize our recommendations, discuss a written fee proposal, and address any remaining questions. You pay nothing until your plan is complete and you’re satisfied.
We’re located in the Westage Center business complex at 200 Westage Center, Suite 235, Fishkill, NY 12524. Westage Center is easily accessed from Route 9D and features a professional office environment. Suite 235 is on the 2nd floor—look for our name in the lobby directory. Plenty of parking is available in the building lot. Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Questions about parking or directions? Call (845) 897-4700 and we’ll guide you in.
Complete the contact form or call us at 888-643-1298 to schedule your no-cost consultation.
Explore testimonials from individuals and families who have benefited from Ettinger Law Firm’s expertise. Learn how we provide peace of mind through comprehensive legal solutions.
At Ettinger Law Firm, our elder law lawyers focus on the needs of older adults in New York when protecting their families, assets and future. We recognize that many of our clients have minimal or no experience working with attorneys — our low-pressure approach enables you to make these crucial life decisions at your own pace. Trust our team to educate you and make the information you need accessible throughout the process.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a No-Cost Consultation for elder law estate planning.
Ettinger Law Firm serves individuals and families across New York with trusted elder law and estate planning guidance. In addition to this office, we welcome clients at the following locations throughout the state. Each office provides the same commitment to personalized service, experienced legal counsel, and long-term planning solutions.
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