Staten Island

Our Staten Island lawyers and paralegals also take care of estate administration and probate. Probate is the legal proceeding in which the probate court assumes jurisdiction over the assets of someone who has died. The court supervises the payment of debts, taxes, and probate fees, and then supervises the distribution of the remainder to the persons named in a will, or to the legal heirs if there is no will.

A will ensures that your assets are distributed in whatever way you want them to be. Without one, these decisions can be left up to the state and prevent your loved ones from receiving cherished parts of your history. Ettinger Law Firm attorneys work with you to solidify your plans.

One of our primary objectives is to keep our clients’ assets out of Surrogate Court by drafting and executing revocable living trusts or the most effective form of trust for each individual’s unique circumstances. Our estate plans may include the following types of trusts based on your personal circumstances:

• Living Trusts
• Inheritance Protection Trusts
• Supplemental Needs Trusts
• Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts

Medicaid plays an essential role in the lives of many older adults, especially as they start to need additional assistance in the form of a home healthcare aides or a long-term care facility. Ettinger Law Firm will assist you in filing a Medicaid application and help protect your home and life savings with our Medicaid strategies. including gift and loan strategies and spousal refusal.

Our Staten Island office provides comprehensive elder law and estate planning services: Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts; Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts for Richmond County families; detailed Wills and Probate Administration; Powers of Attorney for financial management; Healthcare Proxies and Living Wills; Special Needs Trusts for disabled beneficiaries; Estate Tax Planning to reduce tax liability; and Inheritance Protection Trusts. We understand Staten Island’s diverse community and serve families at every wealth level. We work closely with The Richmond County Surrogate Court and stay current on local procedures. Every engagement includes our Lifetime Estate Planning Process—free consultations and free three-year reviews.

Staten Island families increasingly approach us for Medicaid planning as they face long-term care decisions. We help families understand how to access Medicaid benefits while protecting the assets that matter most. We create Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts for advance planning; manage complex Medicaid applications when care is needed immediately; explain the five-year look-back rule and transfer penalties; and discuss options like spousal protection strategies. We distinguish long-term care at home (Community Medicaid) or in a nursing facility (Institutional Medicaid). Our Staten Island office brings practical experience helping hundreds of Richmond County families navigate these decisions thoughtfully and protect their legacies.

Scheduling is straightforward—call our Staten Island office at (718) 477-2700 or our main number at 1-800-500-2525. You can also connect online at trustlaw.com. Your complimentary first consultation includes: review of your current documents; detailed discussion of your assets, family situation, and estate goals; thorough answers to planning questions; a free copy of our “Guide to Protecting Your Future”; and access to our 37-minute educational video. We follow up with a second free session 2–3 weeks later to go over recommendations and present a written fee proposal. No obligation and no cost until you’re completely satisfied with your plan.

Our Staten Island office is located at 900 South Avenue, Suite 202, Staten Island, NY 10314. We’re conveniently positioned on South Avenue, accessible from all parts of Staten Island. On-site parking and nearby parking options are available. Professional office environment on the 2nd floor. Hours are Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. If you need directions or parking information, call (718) 477-2700 and our team will assist you.