Willis Law Group helps Rockland County, New York families address estate planning, Medicaid planning, and the legal decisions that accompany long-term care. Whether you are planning ahead or arranging care for a parent now, we begin with the person’s needs, existing documents, financial circumstances, and immediate concerns.

Founding attorney Michael T. Willis, Esq. is admitted in New York and New Jersey and brings 25 years of legal experience. We review New York matters under New York rules and explain the proposed work before you decide whether to retain us.

Request a Rockland County initial meeting. Tell us where the person needing help lives, where care is being provided, and whether an application, agency request, or decision is already pending.

Explore New York guidance: Medicaid planning and applications · Care and family planning situations · Common Rockland questions

Medicaid Planning for Care at Home or in a Facility

A family seeking help at home may face different application and assessment questions from a family arranging nursing-home care. Our review identifies the program involved, income and resources, ownership of the home, a spouse’s circumstances, prior transfers, and who has authority to act. These facts guide the next steps; a particular planning tool is not suitable for every family.

For Rockland residents, the county’s Medical Assistance information identifies categories of applications handled by its Medicaid Unit, including requests for help with long-term care. New York’s Medicaid application guidance explains how eligibility category affects where to apply.

An income figure, trust strategy, or application checklist from New Jersey should not be used as a substitute for a New York eligibility review. If care is urgent, identify any discharge plan, current bills, and response deadline when contacting us.

Wills, Trusts, and Decision-Making Documents

Estate planning should connect your wishes with the people and property involved. We can review wills, trust arrangements, powers of attorney, health care proxies, ownership records, and beneficiary designations as part of a coordinated New York plan. A trust must be evaluated for its particular purpose, terms, and funding; it is not an automatic Medicaid or tax solution.

Review New York powers of attorney and health care proxies for financial authority, medical decision-making, existing-document review, and meeting preparation.

Explore New York wills, trusts, and estate planning, including trust funding, beneficiary coordination, and the questions to ask before retaining counsel. For future care planning, review our New York Medicaid asset protection trust guide.

When Family or Property Is Across the State Line

Rockland families may have a parent receiving care in New York, an adult child in Bergen County, or property in both states. Tell us about each connection. We review which documents, care arrangements, and legal issues require attention in each jurisdiction rather than assuming the same rules apply on both sides of the border.

If You Are Handling a Rockland Estate

When someone has died, gather the will, death certificate, property information, and any court papers before deciding what filings may be needed. The Rockland Surrogate’s Court provides official court information. Ask us to review the estate’s circumstances, your role, and any deadline.

Rockland Care Situations We Can Help You Review

A parent needs more help at home

Start by identifying which daily tasks have become difficult, who is providing help, and whether that arrangement can continue. Bring any care assessments and benefits notices. Our review connects those care concerns with the applicant’s financial circumstances and the authority needed to act.

Rehabilitation is ending or nursing-home bills are arriving

Tell us the expected discharge date, where care will continue, and how it is currently being paid for. If a Medicaid application has already been submitted, bring a copy and every follow-up request. We review the existing record before recommending additional planning or application work.

You own a home or have already helped your children financially

Bring the deed and records of gifts, transfers, or ownership changes. Explain who lives in the home and whether a spouse will remain there. Avoid further changes until the timing, care setting, and proposed transaction have been evaluated.

Read our New York Medicaid planning and application guide for the financial review, preparation checklist, and questions to ask about representation.

Questions Rockland Families Often Ask

Does living near New Jersey change which Medicaid guidance I should use?

Proximity to New Jersey does not make its Medicaid instructions appropriate for a New York matter. Tell us the applicant’s residence, care location, and any intended move. We identify the New York issues and explain how property or family connections elsewhere affect the proposed work.

Should I wait until every financial record is available?

You can request an initial meeting with the information you have. Identify missing records and any deadline so we can discuss what needs to be obtained. An incomplete record may limit the conclusions that can be reached at the first meeting.

Can my family meet you locally?

Our current Rockland meeting location is in Pearl River, by appointment only. Arrange the meeting with our team and confirm the address before traveling. Use the inquiry form to describe the issue; ask how to provide sensitive documents securely.

Meet With Us in Pearl River

Our current Rockland County meeting location is at Office Evolution in Blue Hill Plaza:

Willis Law Group — Pearl River appointment location
Office Evolution
1 Blue Hill Plaza, Lobby Level, Suite 1509
Pearl River, NY 10965

Meetings are by appointment only. Contact our team to arrange your meeting and confirm the location before traveling.

Prepare for Your Initial Meeting

  • Your main goal and whether help is needed now or for future planning.
  • Existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care documents.
  • Available income, account, property, insurance, and transfer records.
  • Care-provider information, Medicaid correspondence, or estate and court notices.

Bring what you already have; you do not need a complete application file to ask for help. At the initial meeting, we explain the review needed, proposed scope, fees, and responsibilities. Any application support or reapplication commitment must be defined in your written agreement. Do not send confidential financial or medical records through the website inquiry form.

Discuss your Rockland County planning needs. For family members elsewhere in the region, see our Westchester County guidance through the locations and service-area page.