The Rochester Elder Law Blog
Practical legal and financial tips to help you achieve your goals.
April 29, 2026
Join us at Lifespan on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 where, as part of Lifespan's Information & Inspiration Series for older adults and caregivers, our own Rochester Elder Law attorney, Miles Zatkowsky will present a FREE workshop on the Legal Aspects of Aging. Learn everything you need to know about powers of attorney, MOLST forms, health care proxies, trusts, and wills. Location: Lifespan, 1900 S Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 Date and time: Weds, May 6, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Organizer: Anna Stetzel, (585) 244-8400, astetzel@lifespan-roch.org Registration is required and is currently FULL. If you'd like to be added to the waitlist sign up here, and Lifespan will contact you if a spot becomes available.
April 29, 2026
This May, Rochester's own Reel Mind Film Festival returns to The Little Theatre with a deeply timely series — Life in the Time of Dementia: Stories of Memory & Change — featuring three documentary films and post-screening panel discussions exploring memory, caregiving, and the shifting sense of self that comes with cognitive change. For families navigating a loved one's dementia diagnosis, these are stories that often go unspoken. This series brings them into a shared space for reflection and dialogue. The Lineup:
December 10, 2024
When it comes to signing legal documents, mental capacity isn't as simple as 'capable' or 'incapable.' Whether you're helping an aging parent update their will or concerned about a loved one's ability to manage contracts, knowing the legal standards for capacity can help you make informed decisions and avoid future complications. Learn what courts look for and the key warning signs you shouldn't ignore...
December 3, 2024
The holiday season brings families together, offering more than just festive celebrations. For adult children with aging parents, these gatherings provide a valuable opportunity to observe how well their loved ones are managing and to have important conversations about future care needs. Here's what to look out for and how to approach these discussions...
November 19, 2024
When a loved one receives an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis, families in Rochester and throughout New York face many challenges. While managing medical care is often the first priority, creating a comprehensive estate plan is equally crucial. Early planning helps protect both your loved one's wishes and their financial security. Learn why early planning matters...
December 10, 2024
When it comes to signing legal documents, mental capacity isn't as simple as 'capable' or 'incapable.' Whether you're helping an aging parent update their will or concerned about a loved one's ability to manage contracts, knowing the legal standards for capacity can help you make informed decisions and avoid future complications. Learn what courts look for and the key warning signs you shouldn't ignore...
December 3, 2024
The holiday season brings families together, offering more than just festive celebrations. For adult children with aging parents, these gatherings provide a valuable opportunity to observe how well their loved ones are managing and to have important conversations about future care needs. Here's what to look out for and how to approach these discussions...
November 19, 2024
When a loved one receives an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis, families in Rochester and throughout New York face many challenges. While managing medical care is often the first priority, creating a comprehensive estate plan is equally crucial. Early planning helps protect both your loved one's wishes and their financial security. Learn why early planning matters...
November 12, 2024
When a loved one passes away, dealing with estate matters can be challenging enough without the added stress of an executor who isn't performing their duties properly. Whether you're concerned about your mother's estate or planning ahead for your own estate, understanding the process of replacing an executor in New York State is crucial.
October 8, 2024
At Rochester Elder Law, we believe in a holistic approach to planning for your future. This approach, known as life care planning, combines the crucial elements of estate planning and elder law to ensure you're prepared for every stage of life. Let's explore how these areas intersect and why they're essential for New York residents...
October 1, 2024
Divorce is a challenging process that affects many aspects of your life, including your estate plan. At Rochester Elder Law, we understand the complexities involved in navigating divorce and estate planning, especially for long-term marriages. This guide will help you understand the key estate planning considerations during and after divorce in New York...
September 24, 2024
Despite increased awareness about the importance of estate planning, many New Yorkers still don't have a will. At Rochester Elder Law, we often see the complications that arise when someone passes away without proper estate planning documents in place. This guide will help you understand what happens when someone dies without a will (intestate) in New York and why having a will is crucial...
September 17, 2024
Recent legislative changes have significantly impacted special needs planning, particularly regarding retirement accounts and trusts. At Rochester Elder Law, we're committed to helping you understand these changes and optimizing your estate plan for your loved ones with special needs. Learn more...
September 10, 2024
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. However, due to the high costs associated with long-term care, Medicaid planning has become increasingly important for individuals with higher net worth. This strategic approach allows people to legally restructure their financial resources to meet eligibility requirements while preserving assets for their loved ones. Learn more...
