Elder Law Trusts and Estates
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in White Plains.
Anthony J. Enea
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2012 
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Anthony J. Enea, Esq. is the managing partner of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP with offices in White Plains and Somers, New York. For nearly 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 the 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 and the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County.
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 a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and was the recipient of 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. He was also honored at the Westchester County Bar Foundation's 2024 Annual Benefit for his distinguished leadership, vision and service in improving the public's access to legal services.
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 has been selected as a Super Lawyer for the eighteenth consecutive year, and for 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 was selected as a Top 25 Super Lawyer in Westchester County.
Mr. Enea for the fourteenth consecutive year has also been selected for inclusion in the “Best Lawyers in America” as an Elder Law Attorney (2012-2025). 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 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.
Overview
- English
- Italian
- Pace University, J.D., graduated 1985
- New York, New York, 1986
- New York, U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1986
- Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County - Board Member
- Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Board of Visitors - Member
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys - Founding Member, Past President, New York Chapter
- 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
- New York State Bar Foundation - Fellow
- Office of Court Administration for the State of New York - Member, Guardianship Advisory Committee
- Westchester County Bar Association - Past President
- Westchester County Bar Foundation - Immediate Past President
- English
- Italian
- New York, New York, 1986
- New York, U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1986
- Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County - Board Member
- Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Board of Visitors - Member
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys - Founding Member, Past President, New York Chapter
- 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
- New York State Bar Foundation - Fellow
- Office of Court Administration for the State of New York - Member, Guardianship Advisory Committee
- Westchester County Bar Association - Past President
- Westchester County Bar Foundation - Immediate Past President
- Pace University, J.D., graduated 1985
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Elder Law, White Plains (2026)
- Trusts and Estates, White Plains (2019)
- Elder Law, White Plains (2018)
- Trusts and Estates, White Plains (2017)
- Elder Law, White Plains (2016)
- Trusts and Estates, White Plains (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Elder Law
- Trusts and Estates
Special Focus:
- Estate Planning
- Medicaid
Awards:
- Best Lawyer, Elder Law and Trusts & Estates, The Best Lawyers in America, 2012 – 2025
- Top 25 Super Lawyers, Westchester County, Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2010, 2013 – 2015, 2018 – 2024
- Super Lawyers, New York Metro, Thomson Reuters, 2007 – 2024
Honoree, Annual Benefit, Westchester County Bar Foundation, 2024
- 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
News & Media
Insights
When Does a Parent, Loved One, or Friend Need a Guardian for Their Person and Property?
Knowing the signs of diminished capacity can help you safeguard loved ones.
Anthony J.
Enea
Has the No Lookback for Home Care Medicaid in New York Run its Course?
Examine New York’s proposed end to the “no lookback” rule and what it means for home care eligibility.
Anthony J.
Enea
Can a Home Subject to a Mortgage Be Transferred to a Trust?
Learn how to move a home with an existing mortgage into a trust without triggering lender penalties.
Anthony J.
Enea
When Should You Engage in Elder Law Planning?
Deciding when to establish a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust requires careful evaluation of financial goals, health prospects, and timing for optimal elder law planning.
AE![Best Lawyers logo]()
Anthony J.
Enea
Does a Transfer On Death Deed Live Up to the Hype?
The new Transfer on Death Deed law aims to simplify estate planning for modest-income individuals, but its estate recovery provisions can inadvertently create financial vulnerabilities.
AE![Best Lawyers logo]()
Anthony J.
Enea
Home is Where the Heart is: The Medicaid Home Care Alternative
While no one plans to enter a nursing home, preparing for all care scenarios ensures seniors can prioritize aging at home with dignity and independence.
Anthony J.
Enea
Long Term Care Insurance Is Not the Only Way to Pay for the Cost of Long term Care
Long-term care insurance offers peace of mind but, like auto insurance, may never be used, making hybrid policies with dual benefits an appealing alternative for some.
Anthony J.
Enea
THE ABC’S of a DNR
Understanding the difference between a Health Care Proxy and a Do Not Resuscitate Order is vital to ensuring your medical and end-of-life wishes are honored.
Anthony J.
Enea
States Are Actively Asserting Their Medicaid Claims/Liens Against a Decedent’s Estates
Medicaid's estate recovery rules highlight the critical need for proper planning, such as using an Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, to protect one's home and assets.
Anthony J.
Enea
The Titling of an “In Trust for” Account at a Large Bank May Pose a Challenge
Navigating bank restrictions on account titling and trust requirements can be complex, underscoring the importance of proactive estate planning and clear legal guidance.
Anthony J.
Enea
Is The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) Right for You
Despite recent scrutiny and instances of fraud within the CDPAP program, it remains a valuable option for seniors seeking trusted, personalized care at home.
Anthony J.
Enea
Being Proactive in Retirement
While being proactive is a great idea during any stage in life, the failure to do so when one has reached retirement age can be quite expensive.
Anthony J.
Enea
Why Regular Reporting by the Agent Under a Power of Attorney Is the Best Practice
Understanding the legal framework and responsibilities for POA agents
Anthony J.
Enea
Have You Kept Your Loved Ones in the Dark?
As one ages, keeping secrets from family may result in the family’s inability to take the necessary steps to protect their loved one’s estate from estate taxes and the cost of long-term care.
Anthony J.
Enea
The Importance Of A Third Party SNT For A Disabled Loved One
When considering an SNT for a loved one, it is important to thoroughly review the present and potential future needs of the disabled beneficiary
Anthony J.
Enea
Issues Small Business Owners Need to Address When Implementing an Estate Plan
Why estate planning is essential for small business owners – and how to get started
Anthony J.
Enea
What Is a QPRT and How Can I Utilize It to My Advantage?
QPRT’s can be an ideal planning tool for second/vacation homes that one expects will remain in the family for generations
Anthony J.
Enea
2023 Brings Changes to Medicaid Eligibility Requirements & Estate/Gift Tax Exemption
Medicaid home care is a very advantageous option for seniors and the disabled that need assistance with activities of daily living in their home
AE![Best Lawyers logo]()
Anthony J.
Enea
Where There’s No Will . . .
by Anthony J. Enea
. . . there’s no way for you to ensure your assets get distributed the way you would prefer. A guide to the consequences of exiting the stage without a last will and testament in New York.
Merely Creating an LLC Doesn’t Automatically Give You Personal Protection Against Potential Claims and Creditors of the LLC
Merely Creating an LLC Doesn’t Automatically Give You Personal Protection Against Potential Claims and Creditors of the LLC
AE![Best Lawyers logo]()
Anthony J.
Enea
How Can I Protect My Home with Minimal Impact on My Life?
How Can I Protect My Home with Minimal Impact on My Life?
Anthony J.
Enea
Making Sense of the 2022 Changes to the Medicaid Home Care Program
Making Sense of the 2022 Changes to the Medicaid Home Care Program
Anthony J.
Enea
Can New Yorkers Afford Medicaid Home Care & Nursing Home For All?
Can New Yorkers Afford Medicaid Home Care & Nursing Home For All?
Anthony J.
Enea
The “Last Call” for Medicaid Homecare Without a Look-Back Period for Transfers Has Perhaps Arrived
The “Last Call” for Medicaid Homecare Without a Look-Back Period for Transfers Has Perhaps Arrived
Anthony J.
Enea
Factors that Help Determine Whether a Senior Is a Victim of Elder Abuse
Factors that Help Determine Whether a Senior Is a Victim of Elder Abuse
Anthony J.
Enea
The Decision to Transfer One’s Residence to Loved Ones or a Trust Requires Consideration of Many Factors
The Decision to Transfer One’s Residence to Loved Ones or a Trust Requires Consideration of Many Factors
Anthony J.
Enea
The Consequences of Being in Denial About a Loved One’s Deteriorating Condition
The Consequences of Being in Denial About a Loved One’s Deteriorating Condition
Anthony J.
Enea
Time to Re-focus on Protecting One’s Home From the Cost of Long Term Care
Time to Re-focus on Protecting One’s Home From the Cost of Long Term Care
Anthony J.
Enea
The Long-Awaited Modifications to the Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney Have Been Enacted
The Long-Awaited Modifications to the Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney Have Been Enacted
AE![Best Lawyers logo]()
Anthony J.
Enea
Is This an Opportune Time to Gift Your Commercial Real Estate Holdings for Estate and Gift Tax Planning Purposes?
Is This an Opportune Time to Gift Your Commercial Real Estate Holdings for Estate and Gift Tax Planning Purposes?
Anthony J.
Enea
Seniors and the Disabled Get a Needed Reprieve from the Imposition of the new Penalty and Lookback Period for Community Medicaid
Seniors and the Disabled Get a Needed Reprieve from the Imposition of the new Penalty and Lookback Period for Community Medicaid
Anthony J.
Enea
What Impact Will the Pandemic and The Presidential Election Have on Federal and New York Estate Tax Exemptions?
What Impact Will the Pandemic and The Presidential Election Have on Federal and New York Estate Tax Exemptions?
Anthony J.
Enea
New Medicaid Eligibility Rules Make Asset Protection Planning an Urgent Need!
New Medicaid Eligibility Rules Make Asset Protection Planning an Urgent Need!
Anthony J.
Enea
What is an “ADL” and Why is it so Important to Medicaid Home Care Applicants?
What is an “ADL” and Why is it so Important to Medicaid Home Care Applicants?
Anthony J.
Enea
Why the Secure Act of 2019 May Not Make You Feel Very Secure
Why the Secure Act of 2019 May Not Make You Feel Very Secure
Anthony J.
Enea
Can I Still Protect My Assets if I Need Long Term Care in the Immediate Future?
Can I Still Protect My Assets if I Need Long Term Care in the Immediate Future?
Anthony J.
Enea
Should a Third Party Special Needs Trust Be Revocable or Irrevocable?
Should a Third Party Special Needs Trust Be Revocable or Irrevocable?
Anthony J.
Enea
What Is a Pooled Community Trust and How Does It Help Keep New Yorkers in Their Homes?
by Anthony J. Enea
A pooled community trust allows disabled people who have Medicaid coverage to spend their monthly income that is designated as "surplus" on their own immediate living expenses and daily needs.
Is It Time for You to Have the Long-Term Care Planning Talk With Your Parents?
by Anthony J. Enea
How should you talk to your parents about long-term care options? Estate planning can make for a difficult conversation, but wills and trusts are necessary documents for anyone growing older.
Owning Bitcoin May Complicate Your Estate Plan and Income Taxes
by Anthony J. Enea
Your cryptocurrency assets could pose problems when it comes to your income and estate taxes.
Factors to Consider When Naming a Health Care Agent
by Anthony J. Enea
A health care agent can make medical decisions for you and see that your end of life wishes are respected.
4 Legal New Years Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
by Anthony J. Enea
New Years resolutions don't always work, but these four reasonable suggestions will serve you well for many more years to come.
Four New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
Four New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
Anthony J.
Enea
To Gift or Not to Gift: ’Tis the Question for the Season!
To Gift or Not to Gift: ’Tis the Question for the Season!
Anthony J.
Enea
Anthony J. Enea, 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" for Elder Law
by Nicole Ortiz
Recognized for his leadership and dedication to client advocacy in Elder Law.
To UMTA or Not to UMTA?
by Anthony J. Enea
When and why a trust may offer more protection than a UTMA custodial account
Factors to Consider when Selecting an Executor, Trustee, or Agent under a Power of Attorney
by Anthony J. Enea
The decision of who you should select as the executor of your Last Will & Testament, trustee of any trust you create, or as the agent under your Power of Attorney (POA) is a difficult task and one that involves the consideration of numerous factors.
How To Avoid Five Common Estate and Elder Law Planning Mistakes
by Anthony J. Enea
Missteps in planning can jeopardize your wishes and financial security—here’s what to watch for.
The Problems with Probate
by Anthony J. Enea
The complexity, cost and delays associated with the Probate process are not often discussed. The following are some of the reasons one should try to avoid utilizing a Last Will that needs to be admitted to Probate upon one's demise:
Protect Your Pets: Westchester Elder Law Attorney Anthony Enea Explains How to Provide for Pets in an Estate Plan
by Anthony J. Enea
Along with pet ownership comes the responsibility of ensuring your companion animal's care and well-being - even if that extends beyond your lifetime.
Additional Information
- Areas of Practice
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
- Certified Legal Specialties
Certified as an Elder Law Attorney, National Elder Law Foundation as accredited by the American Bar Association
- Published Works
- "Digging Ditches with a Grain of Salt," Westchester Lawyer Magazine, December 2023
- "Tis the Season to Consider Gifting," The Mt. Kisco Bedford Times, December 2023
- "Whatever Happened To...?," Westchester Lawyer Magazine, November 2023
- "Have You Kept Your Loved Ones in the Dark?," The Somers Record, November 2023
- "Yachting with Celebrities," Westchester Lawyer Magazine, October 2023
- "Planning for a Disabled Love One's Future," Yorktown News, October 2023
- "Was Everyone 'Backpacking' This Summer?," Westchester Lawyer Magazine, September 2023
- "The Importance of a Third-Party SNT," Mahopac News, July 13, 2023
- "The Era of No Lookback Periods is Ending," North Salem News, June 15, 2023
- "Estate Planning for Small Business Owners," The Somers Record, March 30, 2023
- "Issues Small Business Owners Need to Address When Implementing an Estate Plan," Wealth Advisor, March 8, 2023
- "New Year, New New York Laws," Yorktown News, January 19, 2023
- "Tis the Season to Consider Gifting," Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, December 12, 2022
- "How to Avoid the 'Double Whammy'," The Katonah Lewisboro Times, November 3, 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?,” The Somers Record, 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, December 2021
- “Understanding the Consequences of Not Having a Last Will and Testament,” Westchester WAG Magazine, 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 County Business Journal, 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 County Business Journal, 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 County Business Journal, 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, 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, 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, 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, August 2020
- “The COVID-19 Pandemic's Long-Term Impact on Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes,” Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, June 2020
- “New Medicaid Eligibility Rules Make Asset Protection Planning an Urgent Need,” Westchester Lawyer Magazine, June 2020
- “Pandemics & Planning: Lessons Learned,” The Somers Record, 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, 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
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