Practice Area
Elder Law, Medicaid & Special Needs
Compassionate legal guidance for older adults, their families, and individuals with special needs.
Planning for Long-Term Care with Dignity and Confidence
The prospect of needing long-term care is one of the most significant financial and emotional challenges facing older adults and their families. The cost of nursing home care in New York can exceed $150,000 per year — and without proper planning, a lifetime of savings can be depleted in a matter of years.
At Bouklas & Associates PLLC, our elder law attorneys help families plan proactively for the possibility of long-term care, protect their assets, and navigate the complex rules governing Medicaid eligibility in New York. We also provide specialized planning for individuals with disabilities and special needs, ensuring that they are cared for without jeopardizing their access to government benefits.
Elder law is a deeply personal area of practice. Our attorneys take the time to understand each family's unique situation and develop individualized strategies that balance the need for care with the desire to preserve assets for future generations.
Our Elder Law Services
Medicaid Planning
New York's Medicaid program can cover the cost of nursing home care, but eligibility rules are complex and the five-year look-back period means that planning must begin well in advance. We help families structure their assets to qualify for Medicaid while preserving as much wealth as possible for their heirs.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is an irrevocable trust that removes assets from your countable estate for Medicaid purposes while allowing you to retain certain benefits. We advise on the proper structure and timing of MAPTs to maximize their effectiveness.
Medicaid Applications & Crisis Planning
When a family member needs nursing home care immediately, crisis Medicaid planning can still protect a significant portion of the family's assets. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating the Medicaid application process and advocating for our clients before the Department of Social Services.
Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust (SNT) allows a person with a disability to receive an inheritance or personal injury settlement without losing eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. We draft both first-party and third-party SNTs tailored to the beneficiary's needs.
Guardianship Proceedings
When an individual is no longer able to manage their own affairs and has not executed a power of attorney, a court-appointed guardian may be necessary. We represent families in Article 81 guardianship proceedings in New York Surrogate's Court and Supreme Court.
Elder Law Estate Planning
For older adults, estate planning takes on added urgency. We prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care proxies that address the specific concerns of aging clients, including incapacity planning, long-term care, and the protection of a surviving spouse.
Why Choose Bouklas & Associates
- Deep expertise in New York Medicaid rules and the five-year look-back period
- Compassionate, patient counsel for older adults and their families
- Experience with crisis Medicaid planning when care is needed immediately
- Specialized knowledge of special needs trusts and government benefit programs
- Serving clients throughout New York City and Long Island
Schedule a Consultation
Don't wait to plan for long-term care. Contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our elder law attorneys.