Westchester Elder Law Attorney
Elder law focuses on the unique legal needs of older adults and their families. As people age, they face new challenges related to healthcare, long-term care, financial security, guardianship, and estate planning. At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester elder law attorneys help seniors and their loved ones navigate these complex issues with compassion, clarity, and comprehensive legal solutions tailored to their stage of life.
What Is Elder Law?
Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice that addresses the legal and practical issues affecting aging individuals. It combines elements of estate planning, Medicaid planning, guardianship, asset protection, and healthcare advocacy.
Key concerns in elder law include:
- Paying for long-term care without losing your life savings
- Protecting your home and assets from nursing home costs
- Making sure your healthcare and financial wishes are followed
- Avoiding court intervention through advance planning
- Preventing elder abuse or exploitation
- Ensuring that heirs and beneficiaries are protected
We help clients plan ahead or respond to urgent needs, always with the goal of preserving dignity, independence, and family stability.
Core Elder Law Services
At Cavallo & Cavallo, we provide a full range of elder law services to address every aspect of aging with legal security and peace of mind.
Medicaid Planning
We assist seniors in qualifying for long-term care coverage through Medicaid while preserving assets for spouses and heirs. This includes:
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs)
- Spousal refusal strategies
- Medicaid applications and appeals
- Planning around the 5-year lookback period
Long-Term Care Planning
We help clients prepare for future care needs, whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home, with strategies to protect income, property, and choice of care providers.
Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies
We draft advance directives that ensure someone you trust can manage your medical and financial affairs if you become incapacitated, avoiding the need for court-appointed guardians.
Guardianship
When a loved one can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs and there are no advance directives in place, we guide families through the Article 81 guardianship process in Westchester courts.
Estate Planning
We create Wills, trusts, and other planning documents to manage and transfer wealth while minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and protecting vulnerable beneficiaries.
Elder Financial Abuse Protection
We investigate and take legal action in cases of suspected financial exploitation, including misuse of powers of attorney, fraud, or undue influence.
Special Needs and Disability Planning
We help families create Special Needs Trusts and long-term support plans for disabled children or adults who need care and government benefits.
Why Elder Law Is Different
Unlike traditional estate planning, elder law takes a more holistic, long-term view of a client’s life. It’s not just about transferring wealth after death—it’s about protecting your health, assets, and autonomy while you’re still living.
Our approach considers:
- Family dynamics and caregiving arrangements
- Health conditions and future care expectations
- Financial resources and government benefit eligibility
- Housing needs and aging in place
- Legal documents that support independence
We offer compassionate, forward-thinking legal planning for every stage of aging.
When to See an Elder Law Attorney
Many people wait too long to seek legal guidance, often not until a crisis occurs. However, the best time to speak with an elder law attorney is before problems arise.
Ideal times to consult us include:
- After a new diagnosis or health change
- Before entering a nursing home or long-term care
- When helping an aging parent manage finances or property
- After retirement, when planning for future healthcare and estate needs
- When creating or updating Powers of Attorney or Wills
- When concerns about elder abuse or incapacity arise
The earlier we begin planning, the more effective and affordable the solutions can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Law
Is elder law only for people in nursing homes?
No. Elder law is for anyone approaching retirement or dealing with age-related legal issues, even if they’re healthy and independent.
How can I protect my home from nursing home costs?
We can help transfer your home into a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust or explore other planning options that preserve your residence while meeting Medicaid requirements.
What if my parent didn’t create a Power of Attorney?
If your loved one is no longer competent to sign documents, we can help you petition for guardianship to legally manage their affairs.
Does Medicare cover long-term care?
No. Medicare covers short-term rehab, not custodial care. Medicaid is the only government program that pays for long-term nursing home stays.
Can I give away assets to qualify for Medicaid?
Yes, but gifts made within five years of applying for Medicaid can trigger penalties. We help structure asset transfers legally and strategically.
Is it too late to plan if care is already needed?
Not necessarily. Even in a crisis, there are ways to protect some assets and qualify for benefits. Call us immediately to explore your options.
Serving Throughout Westchester, NY
- Scarsdale
- Bronxville
- Larchmont
- Rye
- Chappaqua
- Pelham
- Armonk
- Mamaroneck
- Dobbs Ferry
- Tarrytown
How Cavallo & Cavallo Can Help
Cavallo & Cavallo has served Westchester families for over 30 years, providing trusted elder law and estate planning services. We offer:
- Personalized consultations for seniors and their families
- Comprehensive Medicaid and long-term care strategies
- Experienced court representation in guardianship and elder abuse cases
- Detailed, compassionate guidance for complex family situations
Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent issue, we help you move forward with confidence and control.
Speak With a Westchester Elder Law Attorney
Aging comes with challenges—but with the right legal plan, it can also bring peace of mind and security. Contact Cavallo & Cavallo today to speak with a knowledgeable Westchester elder law attorney and start planning for a future that honors your values, protects your family, and preserves your legacy.
