Rich is an exceptional attorney and one of the few elder law experts in NYS. As his client after a tragic event in my life, he established, guided in the planning of, and has maintained my estate/trust for over a decade. Rich is pro-active, intuitive, and compassionate, and that combined with his expert knowledge of the law, makes him the gold-standard in this field of the law. I recommend him without hesitation.
When my husband and I retired and moved to Orange County, Mr. Shapiro helped us with our financial planning. Mr. Shapiro has always been willing to help us with even the smallest inquiries we have had. It gives us peace of mind to know there is someone who's got our back.
UNPARALLELED LEGAL ADVICE FROM THE ONLY CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY BASED IN THE MID-HUDSON.
In 2017 I became the first (and only) attorney based in the Mid-Hudson region to earn the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation from the National Elder Law Foundation, as accredited by the American Bar Association.
Effective estate, business, and asset protection planning can only occur when the client truly understands their goals and objectives. Only then can we engage in a discovery process that can turn the client's hopes and dreams into a reality. Our counseling-based approach is designed to make sure that the plan design is client-driven, rather than attorney-driven. Our maintenance plan helps ensure that the client's plan stays up-to-date through the many legal and life changes that occur over a lifetime. --- Born in Middletown, N.Y., Richard Shapiro is chair of Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone's Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law department, and serves clients across Orange County, N.Y., Sullivan County, N.Y., Dutchess County, N.Y., and Ulster County, N.Y. He has pioneered the use of the “Legacy Assurance Program™,” a unique process that incorporates an annual maintenance program as an essential part of a client’s estate plan, in the Hudson Valley. Mr. Shapiro and his team work with local businesses to create effective “exit” plans as they navigate the complex financial and emotional issues that arise in managing and transferring closely-held business interests between and among the entity’s partners or shareholders. Mr. Shapiro also counsels high net worth clients in creating estate plans designed to not only minimize estate, gift, and income tax liabilities, but also ensure that their values are passed to future generations as part of a comprehensive “legacy” plan. A prolific public speaker and author, Mr. Shapiro's book "Secure Your Legacy: Estate Planning and Elder Law for Today's American Family" was updated in 2022, and is available in both paperback and e-book format on Amazon.
A graduate of Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Mr. Shapiro is a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Mr. Shapiro writes an estate planning column for the Senior Gazette and is a frequent lecturer on estate planning and elder law topics to the public as well as to accountants and financial professionals. He is actively involved in community affairs, and presently serves as chair of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s Board of Directors, and serves on the Hudson Valley Estate Planning Council. He also served two terms as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Garnet Health Medical Center (formerly known as Orange Regional Medical Center) from 2006 through 2008, and he is a past president of the Middletown Bar Association and the Wallkill East Rotary Club.
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by John | March 23, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Assistant Professor
Rich is an exceptional attorney and one of the few elder law experts in NYS. As his client after a tragic event in my life, he established, guided in the planning of, and has maintained my estate/trust for over a decade. Rich is pro-active, intuitive, and compassionate, and that combined with his expert knowledge of the law, makes him the gold-standard in this field of the law. I recommend him without hesitation.
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Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Anonymous
When my husband and I retired and moved to Orange County, Mr. Shapiro helped us with our financial planning. Mr. Shapiro has always been willing to help us with even the smallest inquiries we have had. It gives us peace of mind to know there is someone who's got our back.
Posted by James | March 13, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional
Mr. Shapiro is always professional and courtesy. At times that assistance is in order, he is willing and able to guide us through our dilemma. His availability is constant.
Posted by Jeff | March 13, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning Service Review
Richard Shapiro was hired to provide estate planning for me.
The process was very thorough and I received a comprehensive plan addressing all my needs. I was satisfied with Mr. Shapiro on a personal and professional level. I believe that all bases were covered and would recommend his service to anyone.
Posted by Bettyann | March 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Retired
Rich Shapiro was extremely knowledgeable and we were totally confident with his guidance in setting up my parent’s Irrevocable Trust I would totally recommend his services
Posted by Mary | March 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The BEST ever Lawyer-
One phone call to Richard Shapiro when I needed some advice on wills and estate wills. It started with a question having to do with my father and he was so kind as to give me great information about what I could do and could not do at this point in my Dads life at no charge. This lead to a question from him “have you thought about your own will for your children?” He was so personable and interested in my husband and me, that I knew right away that he was the lawyer and firm for us. We hired him after one sit down appointment with him to do our estate planning Will that would guide and protect our 2 sons inheritance when we both pass on to be in Heaven. We have been with him and his firm for about 10 or more years. We highly recommend his firm for all your legal affairs. Everyone there is always willing to answer any concerns. We thank him and all the lawyers there for all the continued help they give us.
SO DON’T BOTHER LOOKING ELSEWHERE For a lawyer RS is the best
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Posted by Susan | March 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Caring and Understanding
I will always recommend Richard Shapiro, as he is extremely caring and understanding. He takes the time to listen! He answers with honesty, which really helps when it comes to make important decisions.
Posted by Jim | March 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Attorney
Richard Shapiro explained the benefits of estate planning and having a Trust. He spent the time explaining the advantages and walked my wife and I through the process. Mr Shapiro is not only a good attorney but a caring person. I recommend him highly.
Posted by Rita | March 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Life Changing Decision
After interviewing and working with a few different Estate Planning Law Firms and not feeling comfortable, I met with Rich Shapiro a number of years ago and was immediately impressed with his approach. I have never regretted my decision to move my entire Estate planning process to him and his team. I come from a business background and I am extremely detail oriented. Meeting with an Estate Attorney and planning not only your future but your ultimate passing is understandably not easy. Rich continues to bring the highest level of professionalism, training and knowledge available. His ability to communicate and explain, his extraordinary compassion and patience and kindness are unmatched. I never felt rushed. I felt heard. The response time of his office is efficient and complete. Even during the last few years when in person interaction was difficult, he created an approach that allowed for continued care. The program offers the client annual meetings, updates and the ability to adjust as needed. Every approach is customized for the individual needs and comfort level of the client. His skill in explaining often very complex information is impressive. This is a man who has created a team who represent his philosophy and approach consistently. I trust him completely. He is responsible for my peace of mind and confidence for a very vital part of my future.
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Posted by George & Marie | August 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Never a doubt about his competence and honesty.
We have been clients of Richard Shapiro's for four years. He helped us put together our estate plan, which could be an immense challenge. He made it simple and we know it is complete. We meet with him annually to make any recommended revisions and this too has been a very simple process. He understands families and the many issues that are at play within them that need to be considered in building an estate plan.
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Posted by Alice | June 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and Personable
Rich's firm had an introductory seminar which was very informative. At our first meeting he wrote an outline to help us create a step by step plan for our trust. Rich took the time to answer all of our questions and accommodate our individual needs. The end product was provided to us in a clearly organized binder.
Posted by Bernie | June 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bernie
Undecided on an estate plan I (we) a seminar and eventually hired Mr. Shapiro to to put together a plan for us.
While we haven't needed to exercise any of it, we feel it will be correct.
Since then a Medicare plan has been formulated.
Posted by Annmarie | June 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Competent attorney
We were recommended to Richard by our financial planner. Richard and his firm are extremely professional, knowledgeable and organized. Richard was upfront about what they can and cannot offer, how the process works and how much it costs. There was not pressure to purchase their services. It was evident that Richard is well versed in the law and while respecting the law, he also made sure that our individual needs were met. We are also confident that Richard and his firm will be with us in the years ahead.
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Posted by Beverly | June 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
exceptional
We have found the 3 attorneys that we have worked with to be professional, knowledgeable, and very pleasant. We are very happy with our estate plan and appreciate the time and effort it takes for them to help us to understand the ins and outs of our plan. They are all exceptional lawyers.
Posted by Wayne | June 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Unknown
Rich has always been responsive to my needs. He developed an estate plan for my my wife and me without any inconvenience or problems. Most important is that I trust Rich.
Annually he and Austin keep us apprised of any needed changes. Great service and counseling.
Posted by Jay | June 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Attorney in Region
Rich and his team clearly defined in simplistic terms what and how our wills and trust would be created. They were very patient with us as we were gathering all the documentation required to establish a 'sound' will and trust for our kids. I felt very comfortable and the entire Firm make you feel as though you are part of their family.
I would recommend this firm for any legal matters before any other in our region!
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Posted by Sharon | June 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trust
He developed and implemented a trust for us. The trust met all our requirements. It also concluded items we needed and had not thought about. We are at peace knowing our grandchildren are taken care of.
Posted by Philip Haakmeester | June 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate planning
Mr.Shapiro is my lawyer. He set up three trusts for myself and my wife. Irrevocable trust,revocable trust and a special needs trust for my wife. He was professional in my contacts and respectful to my needs.
Posted by anonymous | June 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Why he is our lawyer
We made appointments to interview a few layers for trust work. Rich was the first and last one we talked to. He was easy going and put us at ease as he fully explained the process and what was involved. As we were leaving we had decided to use his services before we were out of his offices. He is the right choice.
Posted by Mike | June 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
First rate professional
Richard is a first rate lawyer and professional, one who makes a real effort to know your needs, situation and other objecives. We used him for estate planning and sale of a professional practice. We value the on-going relationship and would definitely suggest using him and his firm.
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Estate planning Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a well respected member of the legal community. He is also highly regarded by his clients and takes the time to add value to the Avvo community with clear understandable answers that demonstrate his legal expertise."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have known Rich as a colleague in National organizations of Estate Planning attorneys, and have collaborated with him on cases that spand both of our states. Rich is a highly competent Estate Planning attorney and I do not hesitate to endorse him."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Richard is beyond question the pre-eminent estate planning expert in the Mid-Hudson Valley. I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend him should you need his services."
Wills and living wills Attorney | Nov 09
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer's expertise. Richard and I have attended several conferences together, including those at which he has been a speaker or panel member. I have been impressed by Richard's thorough approach while always keeping the client's best interests at heart."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Richard since 2002. We have worked collaboratively on client matters and as educators on Estate Planning topics over the years. I have found Richard to be a very knowledgable in the Estate & Business Planning arena. He is completely committed to his craft. Richard is well versed in both High Net Worth Estate Planning and Medicaid Planning and has the unique ability to communicate the complex to his clients in an easily understandable way."