Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Settlement Services in Nyack, NY
At Cane & Boniface, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning and settlement with compassion and expertise. Our practice focuses on creating personalized plans that honor clients' unique circumstances, ensuring their assets are protected and their wishes are carried out. We specialize in crafting wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and other essential documents tailored to each client's needs. Our team also provides comprehensive estate settlement services, guiding executors and beneficiaries through probate and administration processes with clarity and efficiency.We prioritize open communication, working closely with clients' accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals to develop holistic solutions. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys are committed to community service and staying at the forefront of evolving legal standards. We offer flexible meeting options, including virtual consultations, to accommodate clients' preferences and ensure accessibility during challenging times.
Services
Estate Planning
Estate Settlement
Charitable Giving
Healthcare Directives
Probate Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized estate plans tailored to unique family and financial situations
- Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in estate law and charitable giving
- We provide virtual document signing and consultations for client convenience
- We serve clients across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut jurisdictions
- Our team works collaboratively with clients' financial advisors and accountants
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans that protect assets and ensure clients' wishes are honored. Our services include wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and tax reduction strategies tailored to individual circumstances. We help clients plan for minors, disabled beneficiaries, and complex family situations while considering both wealth and value transfer.
Estate Settlement
Our team guides executors through estate administration and probate processes with compassionate expertise. We handle asset distribution, tax filings, and legal documentation while explaining local jurisdiction requirements. We assist out-of-state clients with New York area estate settlements and complex trust terminations.
Charitable Giving
We help clients incorporate charitable giving into their estate plans through trusts, bequests, and tax-efficient strategies. Our attorneys advise on IRA charitable distributions and structured giving plans that align with personal values while maximizing tax benefits for both donors and beneficiaries.
Healthcare Directives
We prepare essential healthcare documents including health care proxies, HIPAA authorizations, and living wills. Our services ensure clients' medical wishes are honored and enable family members to make informed decisions during emergencies while complying with current privacy regulations.
Power of Attorney
We draft durable powers of attorney that allow trusted individuals to manage financial affairs during incapacity. Our documents cover bill payment, asset management, and legal representation needs while ensuring compliance with New York state requirements and client-specific circumstances.
People
Barbara H. Cane
Of Counsel
Barbara Cane is an experienced estate planning attorney with over 30 years of legal practice. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and cum laude from Suffolk University Law School. Barbara has spoken at numerous professional seminars and written extensively on estate planning topics.
Courtney E. Boniface
Attorney at Law
Courtney Boniface specializes in estate planning and settlement with a focus on client-centered solutions. She works closely with families to create comprehensive plans that address both immediate needs and long-term goals while maintaining compliance with evolving legal standards.
Stephanie A. Zacharias
Attorney at Law
Stephanie Zacharias brings extensive experience in estate administration and trust management. She assists clients with complex probate matters and helps families navigate the estate settlement process with sensitivity and legal expertise across multiple jurisdictions.
Questions
What estate planning documents does an 18-year-old need?
Young adults should have a health care proxy, HIPAA authorization, and living will to ensure medical wishes are honored. A durable power of attorney is also recommended for financial matters.
Can I create an estate plan without in-person meetings?
Yes, we offer virtual consultations and document signing through video conferencing tools. Remote signings require New York residency and access to scanning technology for document submission.
What areas do you serve for estate settlement?
We primarily serve Rockland, Westchester, Bergen, and Fairfield counties. We also assist out-of-state clients with estates requiring probate in New York jurisdictions.
How do you handle estate planning for pet owners?
We create pet trusts and care plans to ensure animals are protected after an owner's passing. These documents designate caregivers and allocate financial resources for the pet's ongoing care.
What happens during the first estate planning consultation?
The initial meeting identifies your specific needs through a confidential questionnaire. We discuss asset protection goals, family dynamics, and special circumstances to develop a tailored planning strategy.
