THE UNEXPECTED HAS HAPPENED! The Federal Estate Tax has been eliminated for 2010. While we can not predict what will happen for 2011, or the potential for retro-active reform to be enacted in 2010, we have identified a once in a lifetime opportunity for your estate planning. Please contact our office for a free thirty minute consultation to see what this means for you and your family.
Changes in Federal Estate Tax Lead to Changes in Many State Laws
November 9, 2009
This Wall Street Journal article illuminates this discussion. If you would like additional information or would like to discuss implications for New York residents, please send us a note or call Bill Pfeiffer at (518)462-0300.
Bill and Rick to speak in Massena
October 20, 2009
You are invited to attend a FREE discussion about how today’s changing financial landscape may affect your retirement planning and how the changes in the federal and state estate planning legislation may create opportunities for safeguarding and protecting your wealth. Join us on October 22, 2009 at Tommy’s Restaurant in the Quality Inn in Massena – 10 West Orvis Street. Programs run from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Call 315-764-9564 for your FREE reservation.
Bill Pfeiffer Speaks at Senior Citizens Law Day
October 6, 2009
Girvin and Ferlazzo elder law attorney Bill Pfeiffer spoke at the Albany Law School’s 16th Annual Senior Citizens’ Law Day on Saturday, Oct. 3. The event provides senior citizens and their caregivers with free legal assistance. Organized by the school’s Government Law Center, the free community program includes more than 30 workshops to educate senior citizens, family members, advocates and care providers about significant aging-related legal issues.
Albany Law professors, attorneys and other experts provided legal information and resources in educational workshops covering legal topics such as: identity theft, surviving a money crunch, retirement planning, fighting investment fraud, and health care proxies and living wills.
Click here to request more information on Bill’s presentation.
Back to School and Back to Work
September 24, 2009
It is now “back to school” season for those of us with young children. It is also a time to get “back to work” on those projects that we did not accomplish over the summer. Two of these projects for many families are a review and revision of their estate plans and establishing a plan to pay for their long term care expenses.
Some families face these projects not only for themselves but also for their parents. The families are “sandwiched” between caring for both their children and their parents. As leaders of the Elder Law Team at Girvin and Ferlazzo, Rick Rowland and Bill Pfeiffer are ready to help you with your plans. They have been helping local families with their estate and long term care plans for many years and can apply this experience in creating a plan for your family’s unique needs and desires. Most importantly, the options available to your family could be limited if you are forced to deal with long term care expenses in a crisis situation.
So instead of letting these projects remain incomplete, call Rick or Bill at 518.462.0300 or send them an email and schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation.
In the Community
July 9, 2009
Bill Pfeiffer, a member of Girvin & Ferlazzo’s elder law team, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.
Speaking Around Town(s)
July 6, 2009
Girvin and Ferlazzo’s elder law team has been speaking around town about the importance of elder law planning:
On April 9th, Rick Rowlands spoke to the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA)
On May 13th, Bill Pfeiffer volunteered for a NYSBA presentation at the Glenville Senior Center
On May 19th, Bill conducted a workshop for Veteran’s benefits at Delmar Place
On May 26th, Bill conducted a workshop on long term care planning at Delmar Place
On June 10th, Bill conducted a workshops for individuals regarding basic estate planning documents at the Colonie town library.
Bill and Rick also recently hosted the Girvin & Ferlazzo radio show on Talk1300 twice in the last four weeks. On May 6th, Ed Neary of Colonie Senior Services Center appeared as a special guest to discuss services available to seniors and on May 27th Terry Tormey in Integris Financial appeared to discuss the reasons for owning life insurance and how the coverage should be structured.
If you’re interested in having a Girvin & Ferlazzo elder law attorney speak to your community or civic group, please call Bill Pfeiffer at 518-462-0300.
Two Girvin & Ferlazzo attorneys earn accreditation from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
May 18, 2009
Albany, N.Y. (February 2009) – William Pfeiffer and Richard Rowlands, attorneys practicing at Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC of Albany, have been accredited by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits.
According to the VA, the purpose of the accreditation program is to ensure that claimants for VA benefits receive qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims. Unaccredited individuals may provide other services to veterans as long as they do not assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits.
Pfeiffer practices in the areas of elder law and tax and estate planning and administration. Rowlands practices in the areas of elder law, tax and estate planning and administration, estate litigation, business law and real estate law.
Caregiving & Alzheimers
May 15, 2009
The June 18, 2007 edition of Newsweek focused on “Caregiving & Alzheimers” and provides valuable information on legal, medical, financial, health, housing and family issues for caregivers of the elderly. The article, written by Joan Raymond, is well worth reading.
