Yana Pechersky

I focus my legal practice on the areas of Estate Planning (including tax planning for US Citizens and Foreign Nationals), Probate and Estate Administration, and Elder Law (which encompasses Guardianship, Community and Nursing Home Medicaid Planning and Eligibility, and Special Needs Planning).

The Elder Law component of my practice arose from a very personal experience, when a lonely elderly neighbor suddenly found himself in need of Home Care. He was unable to fully pay for the amount of care he needed; yet his income and resources exceeded Medicaid eligibility limits. He was a good man, worked hard his entire life, was a good citizen and paid his dues and his taxes. But at an elderly and fragile age, there was no one to help him with his daily tasks, such as dressing, washing, shopping for and preparing food. 

Helping my elderly neighbor with the process of gaining Medicaid coverage that would help him pay for a Home Care Aide was a rewarding and eye-opening experience, which prompted me to incorporate the area of Elder Law into my Estate Planning practice.

My approach to each individual client is two-pronged. First and foremost, it includes an assessment of how to best establish financial and personal security for the client’s loved ones and how to ensure a smooth passage of assets to the next generation, while minimizing taxes (whether via a Will, a Trust or another estate planning vehicle). Equally as important is guidance in preparation for retirement and protection of assets in the event of a chronic or long-term illness.

While being prepared is always best, some clients are unable to plan for the unexpected in a timely manner. I find it incredibly rewarding to help a client who has encountered the death of a loved one or who has suddenly become disabled.