The Law Office Of Michael Robinson, P.C. provides representation to clients throughout Ontario County, NY who want help making their plans for the future. It is vital that you think ahead to what will happen when you get older. You need to be prepared for retirement, but also prepared for incapacity or your passing. Addressing these issues early in life is important because you never know what will happen tomorrow – and our Ontario County elder law and estate planning attorneys can help.
Life in Ontario County, NY
Ontario County is part of the Rochester, New York metropolitan area and is located within the state of New York. As of the most recent census, the county’s population was almost 108,000. The county has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. In fact, it was named as one of the best places to live in the United States by Progressive Farmer because it has a very low crime rate, excellent schools, and excellent healthcare. Its proximity to Rochester, NY also makes it an attractive place to live because many are able to visit the city to take part in activities there or are able to commute to work there.
Ontario County spans 663 square miles, the majority of which is land. Just 2.8% of the county, or 18 square mils, is water. Ontario County is considered to be a part of Western New York, and is within the Finger Lakes region. It is adjacent to Buffalo, Rochester, and Ithaca and is served by major highways and thoroughfares including Interstates 90 and 490 as well as New York State Routes 21, 53, 64, 5, 88, 96, 245, and 247.
Seniors in Ontario County, NY
As of the most recent census, 13.20% of the population of Ontario County were aged 65 or older. Seniors in Ontario County will find many helpful services available to them, including meals and nutrition help, in-home care, community-based care, affordable housing for the elderly, transportation, and more.
Seniors can find out about the community-based services they can take advantage of by visiting the Office for the Aging for Ontario County, NY. Seniors can visit the Office for the Aging in person at 3019 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Seniors can also call (585) 396-4040 or (315) 781-1321 to find out about available services. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
While there are many free and low-cost programs seniors can use, there often comes a time when older people require long-term care at home or must move into a nursing home setting. Nursing home and long-term care service can be costly and isn’t covered by Medicare or private health insurance policies.
The Law Office of Michael Robinson, P.C. can provide help to those who want to make certain they can get their care covered. We can assist with the creation of a Medicaid plan to protect your assets and qualify for means-tested Medicaid benefits to pay for a nursing home or home healthcare aides. This can help you to protect your assets and keep your legacy secure.
Probate Courts in Ontario County, NY
There are certain probate and estate matters that must be handled in court. For example, if someone has become incapacitated without first making an advanced plan to name someone to act on his or her behalf, family members or other concerned parties will need to go to court in order to get a guardian or conservator named. Guardianship or conservatorship proceedings will take place in a courtroom and a judge will determine if someone is actually incapacitated and who the appropriate guardian is.
It will also be necessary to go to court to probate a will or to transfer assets under intestacy law after someone has passed away. A full probate process is usually required, although small estate administration can occur instead when someone passes away with less than $30,000 in personal property and with no real estate that isn’t jointly owned.
If court proceedings are necessary to handle probate and estate issues for those living in Ontario County, those proceedings will happen in the Ontario County Surrogate’s Court for the 7th Judicial District. On this court, you can find details on where proceedings take place; the judge that presides over probate proceedings; and when the court is open. You can also access forms that you may need in order to initiate guardianship or probate proceedings.
It can be complicated to go to court to have a guardian named or to probate a last will and testament. You should be represented by an experienced attorney if you are involved in probate court proceedings. The Law Office of Michael Robinson, P.C. represents individuals seeking guardianship, as well as the executor of an estate, heirs or beneficiaries, those contesting a will, and anyone who has a legal interest in probate or estate proceedings.
Getting Help from Ontario County Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys
Ontario County elder law and estate planning attorneys work with clients of all ages and in all life circumstances to make their plans for the future. We provide assistance with retirement planning, including the use of tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs. We help with asset protection, with making plans in case you need nursing home care, and with addressing issues such as illness and incapacity. We can also help you to leave a strong legacy and to make sure your heirs or beneficiaries are provided for.
Don’t wait until it is too late to get help and leave your assets unprotected or your loved ones unprepared for your illness or death. Reach out to The Law Office of Michael Robinson, P.C. today to find out all that we can do for you. You can learn more about how our firm can help if you join us for a free seminar.
You can also give us a call at 585-374-5210 or contact us online to get personalized help with all of your probate and estate issues. Call today to get an advocate on your side to help you plan for the future.
