Estate Planning Isn’t Just For The Elderly

Happy, smiling couple in their sixties.

 

Biography

Anthony J. Enea, Esq. is the managing partner of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP with offices in White Plains and Somers, New York. For almost 40 years, Mr. Enea has devoted his practice to educating and protecting the rights of seniors, the disabled and their families from the costs of long-term care.

Mr. Enea and his firm concentrate their practice on Elder Law, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Asset Protecting Planning, Special Needs Planning, Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home and Home Care) and Guardianships (contested/non-contested).

He is the author of hundreds of published articles and a frequent lecturer to seniors, the disabled, attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors, with respect to the planning options available to seniors and their rights. For decades, Mr. Enea's articles have been published in such publications as the New York State Bar Journal; the Trusts and Estates, Elder Law, General Practice Law and Elder Law Journal for the New York State Bar Association; the Westchester County Business Journal and the Westchester County Bar Journal and Newsletter, and Tax Stringer for the New York State Society of CPAs.

Mr. Enea has been certified and re-certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation as accredited by the American Bar Association*. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section of the New York State Bar Association as a vice-chair of the Committee on the Elderly and Disabled.

Mr. Enea is a past chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Enea is a past president and a founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He is also a member of the Council of Advanced Practitioners of NAELA.

Mr. Enea is a past president of the Westchester County Bar Association and Westchester County Bar Foundation.

Mr. Enea is a past chair of the 50+ Section of the New York State Bar Association.

Mr. Enea is the 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, the Dr. Joseph A. Cimino Community Service Award from the Dominican Sisters, and the Honorable Richard J. Daranco Distinguished Service Award from the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County.

Mr. Enea has been selected as a Super Lawyer for seventeen consecutive years, and for 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021,2022, and 2023 was selected as a Top 25 Super Lawyer in Westchester County.

Mr. Enea for the thirteenth consecutive year has also been selected for inclusion in the "Best Lawyers in America" as an Elder Law Attorney for 2023. In addition, he was recognized as a Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in White Plains five times.

Mr. Enea is an "AV" Rated Preeminent Attorney as rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr. Enea is the founder of the Anthony J. Enea Elder Law Scholarship at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.

Mr. Enea is also fluent in Italian.

*The National Elder Law Foundation is not affiliated with any Governmental authority. Certification is not a requirement for the practice of Law in the State of New York and does not necessarily indicate greater competence than other attorneys experienced in this field of law.


Practice Areas

  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home and Home Care)
  • Asset Protection Planning
  • Wills, Trusts and Estates
  • Probate and Trust Administration
  • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested)
  • Will and Trust Litigation

Education

  • Pace University School of Law, White Plains, New York
    • J.D.
  • Manhattan College
    • B.A.
    • Honors: magna cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • New York
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York

Professional Associations

  • Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County, Board of Directors
  • Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Board of Visitors, Member
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, New York Chapter, Founding Member, Past President
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Council of Advanced Practitioners, Member
  • National Elder Law Foundation, Certified Elder Law Attorney
  • New York State Bar Association, Past Chair, Elder Law & Special Needs Section
  • New York State Bar Association, Past Chair, 50+ Lawyers Section
  • Office of Court Administration for the State of New York, Member, Guardianship Advisory Committee
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
  • Westchester County Bar Association, Past President

Published Works

  • "The Importance of a Third-Party SNT,", Mahopac News, July, 2023
  • "The Era of No Lookback Periods is Ending,", North Salem News, June, 2023
  • "Estate Planning for Small Business Owners,", The Somers Record, March, 2023
  • "Issues Small Business Owners Need to Address When Implementing an Estate Plan,", Wealth Advisor, March, 2023
  • "New Year, New New York Laws,", Yorktown News, January, 2023
  • "Tis the Season to Consider Gifting,", Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, December, 2022
  • "How to Avoid the 'Double Whammy',", The Katonah Lewisboro Times, November, 2022
  • “Is Summer Overrated?”, Westchester Lawyer Magazine, September, 2022
  • “Merely Creating an LLC Doesn’t Automatically Give You Personal Protection”, The Somers Record, September, 2022
  • “Is it Time to Bring Back the ‘Blue Laws’?”, Westchester Lawyer Magazine, August, 2022
  • “How Can I Protect My Home with Minimal Impact on My Life?”, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, August, 2022
  • “What Should I Wear Today?”, Westchester Lawyer Magazine, July, 2022
  • “The Revenge of the Car Dealers”, Westchester Lawyer Magazine, June, 2022
  • “Making Sense of 2022 Changes to Medicaid Home Care”, The Somers Record, June, 2022
  • “Can We Get Just a Little Respect?”, Westchester Lawyer Magazine, May, 2022
  • “Can New Yorkers Afford Medicaid Home Care and Nursing Home for All?”, The Somers Record, April, 2022
  • “Has Technology Really Improved the Lives of Lawyers?”, Westchester Lawyer Magazine, April, 2022
  • “Factors to Consider When Selecting an Executor/Trustee”, The Somers Record, March, 2022
  • “Avoiding New York’s Estate Tax Cliff”, The Somers Record, February, 2022
  • “The ‘Last Call’ for Medicaid Homecare Without a Look-Back Period for Transfers has Perhaps Arrived”, New York State Society of CPAs Tax Stringer, January, 2022
  • “To Gift or Not to Gift Again, Tis the Question for the Season”, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, The Somers Record, December, 2021
  • “Understanding the Consequences of Not Having a Last Will and Testament”, Westchester WAG Magazine, The Somers Record, November, 2021
  • “2021 Elder Law and Estate Planning Update” (Part 1 & 2), Westchester County Bar Association, Westchester Lawyer Magazine, September, 2021
  • “Factors That help Determine Whether a Senior is a Victim of Elder Abuse”, The Somers Record, September, 2021
  • “The Decision to Transfer One’s Residence to Loved Ones or a Trust Requires Consideration of Many Factors”, New York State Society of CPAs Tax Stringer, September, 2021
  • “The Consequences of Being in Denial About a Loved One’s Deteriorating Condition”, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, The Somers Record, August, 2021
  • "Protecting One’s Home from the Cost of Long-Term Care”, The Somers Record, June, 2021
  • "You Don't Have to Be Rich to Have a Trust", Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, May, 2021
  • "Seniors and the Disabled Get a Needed Reprieve from the Imposition of the New Penalty & Lookback Period for Community Medicaid", Westchester Lawyer Magazine, March, 2021
  • "Is This an Opportune Time to Gift Your Commercial Real Estate Holdings for Estate and Gift Tax Planning Purposes?”, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, The Somers Record, March, 2021
  • "The Long-Awaited Modifications to the Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney Have Been Enacted", New York State Bar Association Journal, March/April, 2021
  • "The Push Toward Planning: If COVID-19 is Not Enough to Motivate You to Get Your Estate and Elder Law Planning and Affairs in Order, What Is?”, The Somers Record, January, 2021
  • "To Gift or Not to Gift: Tis the Question for the Season", The Somers Record, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, December, 2020
  • "A Needed Reprieve: Seniors and the Disabled Get a Break from the Imposition of the New Penalty and Lookback Period for Community Medicaid", The Somers Record, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, November, 2020
  • "What Impact Will the Pandemic and the Presidential Election Have on Federal and New York Estate Tax Exemptions?”, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, The Somers Record, October, 2020
  • “Utilizing the Window of Opportunity for Federal Estate and Gift Taxes", Westchester Lawyer Magazine, August, 2020
  • “Protecting Your Home for Long-Term Care Purposes", The Somers Record, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, August, 2020
  • "The COVID-19 Pandemic's Long-Term Impact on Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes", Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, June, 2020
  • "Pandemics & Planning: Lessons Learned", The Somers Record, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, April, 2020
  • "What is an ADL and Why is it So Important to Medicaid Home Care Applicants?”, The Somers Record, March, 2020
  • "Understanding the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid”, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, March, 2020
  • "Why the SECURE Act of 2019 May Not Make You Feel Very Secure", The Somers Record, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, February, 2020
  • "Protecting Assets When You Need Long-Term Care", The Somers Record, January, 2020
  • "Four Easy to Keep New Year’s Resolutions", The White Plains Examiner, January, 2020

Honors

  • Best Lawyer, Elder Law and Trusts & Estates, The Best Lawyers in America, 2012 - 2024
  • Top 25 Super Lawyers, Westchester County, Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2010, 2013-2015, 2018-2023
  • Super Lawyers, New York Metro, Thomson Reuters, 2007 - 2023
  • Lawyer of the Year in Trusts and Estates, White Plains, Best Lawyers in America, 2015, 2017, 2019
  • Lawyer of the Year in Elder Law, White Plains, Best Lawyers in America, 2016, 2018
  • Distinguished Service Award, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, 2018
  • Honorable Richard J. Daronco Distinguished Service Award, Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County, 2016
  • Dr. Joseph A. Cimino Community Service Award, ArchCare at Home, 2016
  • Golden Harvest Corporate Award, Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, 2014
  • Westchester County’s Leading Elder Care Attorney, Above the Bar Awards, 2013
  • AV-Rated Preeminent Attorney, Martindale Hubbell, 2002-Present

Classes & Seminars

  • "Planning Options for the Transfer of a Primary Residence", NYSSCPA Manhattan/Bronx Chapter & New York County Lawyers Association, 2023
  • "Nuts and Bolts of Estate Planning and Federal & New York Estate Taxes", Columbian Lawyers Association, First Judicial District & Yonkers Lawyers Association, 2023
  • "Avoiding the New York Estate Tax Cliff", Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, New York County Lawyers Association, Westchester County Bar Association, 2023
  • "Elder Law Planning for the Small to Midsize Law Firm Attorney", New York State Bar Association 50+ Section, 2023
  • "What's New in Elder Law and the Medicaid Home Care Program”, Heritage Hills Men's Club, 2023
  • "What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?", Bronx Bar Association, 2023
  • "Understanding Estate Planning: Wills and Trusts Demystified”, Columbian Lawyers Association, First Judicial District, 2023
  • Protecting Assets from the Cost of Long-Term Care”, Lawline, 2023
  • "Utilizing a Trust for Your Elder Law and Estate Planning Needs", Lawline, Rockland County Bar Association & White Plains Bar Association, 2023
  • "Major Changes to New York’s Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney", Lawline, 2023
  • "Critical Issues Facing Senior Clients", NYSSCPA Manhattan/Bronx Chapter & Estate Planning Council of Westchester, 2023
  • "Conveying Real Estate and the Tax Consequences", WFG National Title Company & Lawline, 2023
  • "Planning Considerations for New York's Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Long-Term Care", Rockland County Bar Association, 2023
  • "Nuts and Bolts of Elder Law Planning", Financial Planning Association of the Greater Hudson Valley, 2023
  • "Accountable Aging: Preparing Yourself for the Elder Years", Putnam County Italian American Social Club, 2023
  • "Conveying Real Estate and the Tax Consequences", New York State Society of CPAs (Manhattan/Bronx Chapter) & White Plains Bar Association, 2022 to Present
  • "Aging in Place with Medicaid Home Care", Lawline, 2022 to Present
  • "Accountable Aging: Preparing for the Elder Years", Hearing Loss Association of America (Westchester Chapter), 2022 to Present
  • "Drafting an Effective Power of Attorney", Columbian Lawyers Association (Westchester County), 2022 to Present
  • "How to Avoid a Will Contest", First American Title Insurance Company, 2022 to Present
  • "Major Changes to New York’s Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney", First American Title Insurance Company, Mamaroneck/Harrison/Larchmont Bar Association & Yonkers Lawyers Association, 2022 to Present
  • "Planning Considerations for New York's New Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Long Term Care", Association on Aging in New York, Lawline & Pace Haub School of Law, 2022 to Present
  • "Nuts and Bolts of Estate and Financial Planning", New Rochelle Bar Association, 2020 to Present
  • "Planning for New York and Federal Estate Taxes", Pace Haub School of Law, 2022 to Present
  • "Utilizing a Trust for Your Elder Law and Estate Planning Needs", Association on Aging in New York & Rockland County Bar Association, 2022 to Present
  • "What Attorneys Can Do to Plan for Their Professional and Personal Future", Mount Vernon Bar Association & Yonkers Lawyers Association, 2022 to Present
  • "What Happens When Someone Dies without a Will?", First American Title Insurance Company & New York County Lawyers Association, 2022 to Present
  • "Critical Issues Facing Senior Clients", Lawline & Yonkers Lawyers Association, 2021 to Present
  • "Estate Planning Essentials in a COVID-19 World", National Granite Title Agency, New York State Society of CPAs (Westchester Chapter) and The Manor Club of Pelham, 2021 to Present
  • "How to Avoid a Last Will Contest", Lawline & New York County Lawyers Association, 2021 to Present
  • "Major Changes to New York’s Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney", Abstracts Incorporated, New York County Lawyers Association & Mount Vernon Bar Association, 2021 to Present
  • "Protecting Clients from Financial Elder Abuse and Senior Scams", Westchester County Bar Association, 2021 to Present
  • "Planning Options for the Transfer of a Primary Residence", Lawline, New York State Society of CPAs (Fall Tax Conference) & Yonkers Lawyers Association, 2021 to Present
  • "Protecting Your Assets & Identity", Heritage Hills Men's Club, 2021 to Present
  • "Recent Updates in Elder Law", New York County Lawyers Association, 2021 to Present
  • "Utilizing Trusts to Avoid the Pitfalls of Probate", Port Chester/Rye Bar Association, 2021 to Present
  • "What Legal Professionals Can Do to Plan for Their Professional and Personal Future", New Rochelle Bar Association & Rockland County Bar Association, 2021 to Present
  • "Aging in Place with Medicaid Home Care", New Rochelle Bar Association, 2020 to Present
  • "Critical Issues Facing Senior Clients", Westchester County Bar Association & White Plains Bar Association, 2020 to Present
  • "What Lawyers Should Consider for Both their Practice and Personal Affairs", Lawline, 2020 to Present
  • "Drafting an Effective Power of Attorney", Lawline, 2020 to Present
  • "New Medicaid Eligibility Requirements Create Urgency to Long Term Care Planning", Mount Vernon Bar Association & New York County Lawyers Association, 2020 to Present
  • "Planning Considerations for New York's New Medicaid Eligibility Requirements", Financial Planning Association, Greater Hudson Valley Chapter, 2020 to Present
  • "Protecting Yourself from Financial Elder Abuse and Senior Scams", The Old Guard of White Plains, 2020 to Present
  • "Frequent lecturer for Westchester County and New York State Bar Associations in Elder Law, Trusts and Estates and Guardianship programs"

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Board of Visitors, Member
  • Orange Bank & Trust Company Advisory Board, Member
  • Somers Lions Club, Member
  • Westchester County Bar Foundation, Member & Immediate Past President
  • New York Bar Foundation, Fellow

Certified Legal Specialties

Languages

  • English
  • Italian