Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Elder Law & Estate Planning Solutions
Burke & Casserly, P.C. has been dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions for individuals, families, and businesses since 1988. Our practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid eligibility, and Business Succession Planning, with a commitment to personalized service and long-term client relationships. Our team of experienced attorneys combines legal expertise with financial planning acumen to address life's complex transitions, from asset protection to end-of-life arrangements.We serve clients across New York State's Capital Region, offering a free initial consultation to tailor strategies that align with each client's unique circumstances. Recognized as a Best Place to Work in the Capital Region, we prioritize professional excellence, community involvement, and continuous education to deliver reliable, ethical legal counsel.
Services
Elder Law
Estate Planning
Medicaid Planning
Special Needs Trusts
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in elder law and estate planning.
- Our team combines legal expertise with certified financial planning credentials.
- We offer comprehensive, lifelong client relationship management.
- Recognized as a Best Place to Work in the Capital Region.
- We provide free initial consultations with no-obligation guidance.
What people say
Highly recommend
Well served
Attentive to our needs
Changed the lives of many
30 years of trusted service
Services
Elder Law
Our elder law practice addresses aging-related legal needs, including Medicaid eligibility, long-term care planning, and guardianship proceedings. We help clients protect assets while securing necessary care, with specialized expertise in crisis planning scenarios. Our attorneys develop customized strategies to maintain government benefit eligibility while addressing complex senior living arrangements.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans using wills, trusts, and advanced directives to ensure asset distribution aligns with client wishes. Our services include tax minimization strategies, business succession planning, and special needs trust creation. We provide periodic plan reviews to maintain legal compliance and adapt to changing family circumstances or tax laws.
Medicaid Planning
Our Medicaid planning services combine legal and financial strategies to help families qualify for benefits while preserving assets. We assist with application processes, eligibility strategies, and crisis planning for unexpected nursing home placements. Our team works closely with clients to navigate complex regulations while maintaining care quality.
Business Succession Planning
We develop business succession strategies that ensure smooth ownership transitions while protecting company assets. Our services include entity structuring, buy-sell agreements, and tax-efficient transfer mechanisms. We help business owners create comprehensive plans for leadership changes, mergers, or generational transfers while maintaining operational continuity.
Special Needs Trusts
Our special needs trust services protect government benefit eligibility while providing supplemental financial support for disabled individuals. We create customized trust structures that meet legal requirements while addressing specific care needs. We also assist with guardianship proceedings and Medicaid applications for individuals with developmental disabilities.
People
Timothy E. Casserly
Shareholder/Partner
Certified Financial Planner with over 30 years of experience in elder law and estate planning. Specializes in complex Medicaid planning strategies and business succession matters. Active in local bar associations and community organizations.
James R. Barnes
Shareholder/Partner
Experienced attorney focusing on estate administration and corporate law. Provides strategic guidance for business owners and families navigating complex legal transitions. Regular speaker at professional continuing education programs.
Michelle I. Casserly
Associate Attorney
Specializes in estate planning and special needs trusts. Assists clients with creating comprehensive legal documents and navigating Medicaid eligibility requirements. Active in community outreach initiatives.
Amanda B. Chesterfield
Associate Attorney
Focuses on elder law matters including guardianship proceedings and long-term care planning. Provides personalized legal solutions for families facing complex care challenges. Participates in pro bono legal services.
Walter T. Burke
Attorney at Law (Retired)
Founding attorney with decades of experience in elder law and estate planning. Served as mentor to current firm leadership. Maintains active involvement in legal community activities.
Questions
What is an Elder Law attorney and do I need one?
Elder Law attorneys specialize in legal issues affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities. You may benefit from their expertise for Medicaid planning, long-term care arrangements, or guardianship matters regardless of age.
Can I protect assets if my parent needs nursing home care?
Yes, our crisis planning strategies can help protect assets even after nursing home placement occurs. We implement legally compliant techniques to preserve wealth while securing necessary care.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing estate plans every 3-5 years or after major life events. Our firm provides periodic reviews to ensure documents remain current with legal changes and personal circumstances.
What happens if I don't have a will?
Without a will, state laws determine asset distribution. Our estate planning services ensure your wishes are honored through properly executed legal documents that address all aspects of your estate.
How does Medicaid planning work?
Our Medicaid planning combines legal and financial strategies to meet eligibility requirements while protecting assets. We help families navigate application processes and develop comprehensive long-term care funding solutions.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free hour-long consultations to discuss your specific needs and develop tailored legal strategies that address your unique circumstances.
Reviews (1)
Heather Booth
Apr 19, 2019
Report
Tim and his team have helped us untangle complex issues and understand how to best handle our father's legal needs at this stage of his life. They gained our father's trust and have treated us as partners in managing our dad's affairs. We are grateful to Burke and Casserly and we recommend them highly!
