Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Wills, Trusts & Estates lawyers serving Dutchess County, NY >
James T. Meyer
Back to Search Results
James T. Meyer
Meyer & Spencer PC
27 S. Greeley Ave.
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Phone: (914) 238-2860 | Fax: (914) 238-2833
http://www.meyer-spencer.com
Custom Drafted Plans to Protect Your Assets.
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Estate Planning and Elder Law.
Sub-Categories
Banking & Loans
- Credit Unions
- Savings & Thrifts
- Capital Markets
- Commodities
- Shareholder Disputes
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Income Taxes
- Power of Attorney
- Property Taxes
- Sales Taxes & Use Taxes
- Tax Planning
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
- Asset Protection
- Guardianship
- Power of Attorney
- Business Succession Planning
- Special Needs Trust
- Supplemental Needs Trust
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust
Bar Admissions
NY, Dec 1989
Bar Number: 2304426
Specialty Certifications
Accredited Estate Planner.
Other Court Admissions
New York and Connecticut.
Association Memberships
New York Bar, Putnam Bar, Estate Planning Council of Putnam County.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars and always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours.
Papers and Publications
I have published approximately 250 weekly columns on various legal topics in the Putnam County Press.
Example Cases
We have legally saved our clients millions and millions of assets that would have been used to pay for nursing home care had it not been for asset protection strategies we helped our clients implement. We have also drafted Trusts which have saved our clients millions of dollars in Estate Taxes.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Brooklyn Law
City:
Brooklyn
State:
NY
Year:
1989
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
New York and Connecticut.
Firm Focus and History
Our firm focuses on the following practice areas: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Real Estate, Probate/Administration, Guardianship, Tax Grievances, Corporate Law, Business Law, Asset Protection and Business Succession Planning.
Our firm was established in 1993 by Matthew S. Spencer and me with offices in New York City and Westchester County.
Previous Employment Summary
Both Matthew Spencer and I were previously employed with the Law Offices of Mark J. Alonso in New York, NY. Our focus was on Commercial Litigation, Securities Industry Arbitrations and Commercial Landlord Tenant Matters. In 1993 we decided to start our own practice and we have been assisting clients with their legal matters ever since.
Activities and Awards
• Past President of Putnam County Bar Association
• Past President of the Estate Planning Council of Putnam County
• Accredited Estate Planner
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
All clients should strive to obtain a basic knowledge regarding any legal matter in which they find themselves. Understanding the basic legal principles will help a client.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We do not review documents prepared by clients for many reasons. We have spent years revising and fine tuning our Estate Planning documents and we have learned from experience that no two families are alike. Our plans are custom drafted to fit the needs of a particular family. Many issues arise and are discussed in the context of planning one's estate and a full understanding of a client's family circumstances and estate planning objectives is required to prepare a suitable estate plan. This cannot be done by simply reviewing documents prepared by a client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We do not coach clients to represent themselves for the reasons listed above.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a lawyer because I enjoy helping others. The areas in which I mainly practice are areas where we are able to assist our clients and their families.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My years of experience in litigation and handling arbitrations before the New York Stock Exchange and National Association of Securities Dealers have provided me with a great background in finance, taxation, investing, accounting and other business matters. All of these aspects come into play in the context of Estate Planning or Asset Protection planning.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
After twenty years of practicing law, I have narrowed the focus of my practice to areas which I truly enjoy and in which I have a lot of experience.
What do you like best about your career?
The best part about my career is that I enjoy coming to work every day. We are fortunate in that we have found our niche in our various practice areas and that we do not have to take cases or matters outside of our areas of expertise.
Tell us about your law firm:
My partner, Matthew S. Spencer and I have been together since 1993 and we have established a loyal client base that continually looks to us for advice. Our assistants have been with us for many years and they are friendly, helpful and very attentive to our clients' needs.
What are your strengths and style?
As an elder law and estate planning attorney I often work with seniors who are going through difficult times in their lives. I have the patience and compassion to help clients through various stages of crisis planning. Whether it is the death of a family member, the onset of dementia or the entry into a nursing home, I have experience in these matters and can usually find a way to help the client through the problem.
Personal Interests:
Coaching kids' sports teams, golf, boating, music and art.
Fax
(914) 238-2833
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Additional Offices
Mahopac, NY
421 Route 6
Mahopac, NY 10541
(845) 628-0009
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We offer flat fees depending on the complexity of the matter.
Hourly Rates
$300.
Free Initial Consultation?
Estate Planning Consultations are free, Elder Law Consultations are $300.
Typical Retainer
1/2 upfront on all plans.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
