Orange County Estate & Elder Law (845) 294-4788 info@bernsleylaw.com
111 Homestead Ave, Maybrook, NY 30+ Years Trust & Probate Experience
Wills • Trusts • Probate • Elder Law

Protect What You Built.
Pass It On With Dignity.

Richard Bernsley delivers comprehensive estate planning and elder law counsel across Connecticut. Wills, trusts, probate, Medicaid planning, and guardianship.

30+ YrsLegal Counsel
4.9★37+ Client Reviews
Flat FeeUpfront Pricing
Estate Planning Document
Avoid New York Probate Protecting Family Assets from Court Delays & Taxes
Connecticut State Bar Association • Hartford Probate Court • Elder Law • Medicaid Planning
Core Practice Areas

Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation

Every family has unique assets, real estate holdings, and generational goals. We build customized legal frameworks that eliminate court interference.

Foundational

Revocable Living Trusts

Transfer real estate and investment accounts directly to heirs without public probate proceedings or estate delays.

Asset Protection

Medicaid & Elder Law

Shield your primary home and life savings from catastrophic nursing home costs with 5-year lookback planning.

Court Representation

Probate & Estate Administration

Guiding executors and families through NY Surrogate's Court filings, creditor notices, and asset distribution.

Vital Directives

Powers of Attorney & Proxies

Designate trusted family members to handle banking, tax filings, and critical medical decisions during incapacity.

Vulnerable Beneficiaries

Special Needs Trusts

Provide financial support for disabled loved ones without jeopardizing their government benefits or SSI eligibility.

Property Transfer

Deed Transfers & Real Estate

Deeding family homes into trust ownership to ensure seamless transfer and bypass capital gains traps.

Why Clients Rely On Us

Boutique Attention. Clear Fixed Fees.

01 — Intake

No Legalese

We explain every trust clause and tax implication in plain English so you know exactly how your family is protected.

02 — Transparency

Written Flat Fees

No unexpected hourly surprise bills. We provide comprehensive flat-fee proposals before any drafting begins.

03 — Direct Access

Work With Richard

Your documents are drafted and reviewed directly by experienced counsel, not passed off to paralegals.

Verified Client Reviews

What Orange County Families Say

★★★★★

"Richard Bernsley made our trust planning straightforward and painless. He took the time to understand our family situation and gave us complete peace of mind."

— Robert & Carol M., Goshen, NY
★★★★★

"When my father passed away, handling his estate felt overwhelming. Richard handled the probate process smoothly and professionally."

— Patricia D., Maybrook, NY
★★★★★

"Knowledgeable, patient, and very fair with his fees. I recommend Richard Bernsley to anyone needing a will or trust in Hudson Valley."

— Thomas K., Warwick, NY
About the Practice

Serving Orange County Families Since 1994

The Law Offices of Richard Bernsley, Esq. was established with a singular focus: helping families protect their hard-earned assets and establish clear, orderly succession plans.

With over three decades of practice in Maybrook, Goshen, and Orange County, Attorney Bernsley brings deep familiarity with New York Surrogate's Court rules, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, and tax minimization strategies.

Our Philosophy
Estate planning is not just about legal documents — it is about protecting the people you love from unnecessary court battles, family disputes, and excessive taxation.
Estate Consultation
Comprehensive Estate Planning

Customized Wills, Trusts & Asset Protection

We offer full-service estate drafting, asset titling guidance, and elder law representation across New York State.

Revocable Living Trusts

Comprehensive estate structures designed to keep family wealth private and completely bypass NY probate court.

Last Will & Testament

Legally enforceable wills designating guardians for minor children and specific asset bequests.

Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts

Irrevocable trusts that protect family homes and retirement assets from long-term healthcare spend-down.

Durable Financial Power of Attorney

Authorizing chosen family agents to manage real estate, banks, and tax matters in the event of incapacity.

Healthcare Proxy & Living Wills

Documenting end-of-life medical preferences and naming emergency healthcare decision-makers.

Surrogate's Court Probate Administration

Step-by-step representation for executors in Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess county Surrogate's Courts.

Frequently Asked Estate Questions

Why do I need a trust instead of just a will?

A will must go through New York probate court, which is public, time-consuming (often 9-18 months), and costly. A revocable living trust transfers assets immediately to your beneficiaries without court involvement.

What is the Medicaid 5-year lookback rule in NY?

Medicaid examines all asset transfers made within 5 years of applying for nursing home coverage. Establishing an irrevocable trust at least 5 years ahead protects your assets 100%.

What are your fees for a complete estate plan?

We provide upfront, written flat fees after our initial consultation based on the complexity of your estate. No surprise hourly charges.

How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 to 5 years, or whenever major life events occur (births, marriages, divorces, or significant property purchases).

Principal Counsel

Richard Bernsley, Esq.

Decades of dedicated estate planning and probate service in Hudson Valley.

Richard Bernsley, Esq.

Richard Bernsley, Esq.

Founder & Managing Attorney
Admitted to the New York State Bar with over 30 years of experience focusing exclusively on wills, trusts, elder law, and Surrogate's Court probate matters.
info@bernsleylaw.com • (845) 294-4788
Confidential Intake

Schedule Your Estate Review

Reach out today to discuss your will, trust, or probate needs with Attorney Bernsley.

(845) 294-4788

Office Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Maybrook Location: 111 Homestead Ave, Maybrook, NY 12543
Email: info@bernsleylaw.com

Request an Estate Planning Review

We respond within one business day.