# Cavallo & Cavallo

> Cavallo & Cavallo is a law firm based in Bronx, NY, handling estate planning, wills, trusts, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, transfer on death deeds, and related matters.

Cavallo & Cavallo is a Bronx and Westchester law firm founded in 1989 by brothers Vincent A. Cavallo and Orlando A. Cavallo. It focuses on estate planning, probate and estate administration, elder law, Medicaid planning, and residential real estate. The firm now operates under the same name as part of Fisher Stone, P.C., led by attorneys Lowrance Fisher and Gregory Stone, both selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. From offices on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx and on North Avenue in New Rochelle, the firm helps families across the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Westchester and Putnam Counties. Its work includes wills, trusts, transfer on death deeds, powers of attorney, health care proxies, Medicaid and NYSARC trusts, and home purchases and sales. Clients can get help in English, Spanish, and Russian, and the attorneys make house calls for clients who cannot travel to the office.

## Offices

- Bronx, NY: 3453 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10465, (718) 822-2203
- New Rochelle, NY: 1293A North Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10804, (914) 235-8500

## Areas Served

Bronx, Bronx County, New York City, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Westchester County, Putnam County, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison, Port Chester, Tarrytown, Ossining, Peekskill, Throgs Neck, Pelham Bay, Country Club, City Island, Morris Park, Pelham Parkway, Parkchester, Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Fordham, Soundview, Morrisania, Hunts Point, Mott Haven

## Practice Areas

- Estate Planning
- Wills
- Trusts
- Revocable Trusts
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Transfer on Death Deeds
- Probate
- Estate Administration
- Trust Administration
- Estate Litigation
- Elder Law
- Medicaid Planning
- Nursing Home Medicaid
- NYSARC Trusts
- Long-Term Care Planning
- Asset Protection
- Special Needs Planning
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
- Power of Attorney
- Health Care Proxy
- Living Wills
- Advance Directives
- Business Succession Planning
- Business Owner Estate Planning
- High Net Worth Estate Planning
- Tax Planning
- Charitable Trusts
- Dynasty Trusts
- Elder Financial Abuse
- Real Estate Purchases and Sales
- Residential Real Estate
- Co-op and Condo Closings
- Refinances
- Disinterment
- Personal Injury

## Key Pages

- [Home](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/): Cavallo & Cavallo homepage
- [Blog](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/blog/)
- [Client Reviews](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/testimonials/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/contact-us/): (718) 822-2203

## Attorneys

- [Gregory Stone, Esq.](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/gregory-stone-esq/): Gregory Stone is a partner at Cavallo & Cavallo, which operates as part of Fisher Stone, P.C., the firm he co-founded with Lowrance Fisher in 2014. Greg focuses on estate planning and business law.
- [Lowrance Fisher, Esq.](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/lowrance-fisher-esq/): Lowrance Fisher is a partner at Cavallo & Cavallo, which operates as part of Fisher Stone, P.C., the firm he co-founded with Gregory Stone in 2014.

## Practice Area Pages

- [Bronx Business Owner Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-business-owner-estate-planning-attorney/): Our Bronx business owner estate planning attorneys specialize in drafting estate and asset protection plans that reflect your values and your hard work.
- [Westchester Business Owner Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-business-owner-estate-planning-attorney/): Our experienced Westchester business owner estate planning attorneys take time to understand your business and personal goals, and create the right plan.
- [Bronx Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-estate-planning-attorney/): Estate planning is essential for anyone looking to protect their assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure their wishes are respected.
- [Bronx Advance Directives Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-advance-directives-attorney/): Let a skilled Bronx estate planning attorney at Cavallo & Cavallo help you create advance directives that offer clarity, security, and peace of mind.
- [Bronx Asset Protection Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-asset-protection-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx asset protection attorneys help individuals, families, and business owners in New York protect what they've built.
- [Bronx Business Succession Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-business-succession-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Bronx business owners create strategic, legally sound succession plans that minimize disruption and preserve long-term value.
- [Bronx Charitable Trusts Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-charitable-trusts-attorney/): If giving back is an important part of your legacy, a charitable trust can be a powerful way to support causes you care about while also receiving tax and estate planning benefits.
- [Westchester Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-estate-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester estate planning attorneys help clients throughout Westchester County build estate plans that provide clarity.
- [Bronx Conservatorships Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-conservatorships-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help families across the Bronx establish, manage, and oversee conservatorships with care, professionalism, and legal precision.
- [Bronx Dynasty Trust Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-dynasty-trust-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Bronx families create dynasty trusts as part of a comprehensive estate plan that safeguards their assets for generations to come.
- [Bronx Elder Financial Abuse Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-elder-financial-abuse-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx elder financial abuse attorneys help protect seniors and their families by providing legal guidance, preventative planning, and advocacy.
- [Bronx Elder Law Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-elder-law-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx elder law attorneys help seniors navigate these important issues with compassion, clarity, and trusted legal guidance.
- [Bronx Estate Litigation Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-estate-litigation-attorney/): While most estates in New York are settled smoothly, disputes sometimes arise over wills, trusts, property, or the conduct of fiduciaries. Estate litigation refers to the legal process of resolving these conflicts in Surrogate's Court.
- [Bronx Guardianship Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-guardianship-attorney/): When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves due to age, illness, disability, or incapacity—and no legal documents are in place—a guardianship may be necessary.
- [Bronx Health Care Proxy Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-health-care-proxy-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Bronx residents create clear, legally valid health care proxies as part of a broader estate and elder law plan.
- [Bronx High Net Worth Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-high-net-worth-estate-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we offer customized estate planning services for high net worth clients in the Bronx, helping you preserve your assets.
- [Bronx Irrevocable Trust Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-irrevocable-trust-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx irrevocable trust attorneys help residents & families strategically use irrevocable trusts as part of a customized estate plan.
- [Bronx Living Wills Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-living-wills-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Bronx residents prepare living wills that reflect their values, protect their rights, and ease the burden on their loved ones.
- [Bronx Long-Term Care Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-long-term-care-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx long-term care planning attorneys help NY residents create smart, proactive long-term care plans.
- [Bronx Medicaid Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-medicaid-planning-attorney/): Our Bronx Medicaid planning attorneys help residents preserve their assets while preparing for eligibility through customized Medicaid planning strategies.
- [Bronx Power of Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-power-of-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Bronx residents create customized, legally sound Powers of Attorney that protect their interests and preserve control.
- [Bronx Probate Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-probate-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx probate attorneys help families navigate probate with care, efficiency, and confidence.
- [Bronx Revocable Trusts Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-revocable-trusts-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Bronx individuals and families establish revocable trusts that align with their personal goals and protect what matters most.
- [Bronx Special Needs Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-special-needs-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx special needs planning attorneys help families create thoughtful, effective special needs plans that protect benefits.
- [Bronx Tax Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-tax-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx tax planning attorneys help residents implement smart tax planning strategies that preserve wealth and create lasting legacies.
- [Bronx Trust Administration Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-trust-administration-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx trust administration attorneys help trustees, beneficiaries, and families throughout NY understand their responsibilities.
- [Bronx Trusts Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-trusts-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx trust attorneys help NY residents understand, create, and administer a wide range of trusts tailored to their goals and needs.
- [Bronx Wills Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-wills-attorney/): Our Bronx Wills attorneys help NY residents create clear, legally sound Wills that protect their families, preserve their intentions, and provide peace of mind.
- [Westchester Wills Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-wills-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester Wills attorneys guide NY residents through the Will-making process with clarity and care.
- [Westchester Revocable Trust Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-revocable-trust-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we assist Westchester clients in creating revocable trusts that protect assets, provide flexibility, and give you peace of mind.
- [Westchester Irrevocable Trust Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-irrevocable-trust-attorney/): When long-term protection of your assets is a priority, an irrevocable trust offers powerful legal and financial advantages. Unlike revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts are fixed once established—but that permanence is what gives them their strength.
- [Westchester Trusts Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-trusts-attorney/): Our Westchester trust attorneys help individuals and families throughout Westchester County create and administer customized trusts that preserve wealth.
- [Westchester Special Needs Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-special-needs-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Westchester families craft thoughtful special needs plans that offer protection, dignity, and peace of mind.
- [Westchester Tax Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-tax-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester tax planning attorneys help individuals, families, and business owners minimize tax exposure and create efficient plans.
- [Westchester Trust Administration Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-trust-administration-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester trust administration attorneys help families manage trusts with confidence, efficiency, and legal peace of mind.
- [Westchester Probate Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-probate-attorney/): Our Westchester probate attorneys help families in NY navigate probate with clarity, compassion, and experienced legal guidance.
- [Westchester Power of Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-power-of-attorney/): A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important legal documents you can create as part of a complete estate plan. It allows you to designate someone you trust to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so yourself.
- [Westchester Medicaid Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-medicaid-planning-attorney/): As the cost of long-term care continues to rise, Medicaid planning has become a critical component of estate and elder law planning in New York.
- [Westchester Long-Term Care Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-long-term-care-planning-attorney/): Long-term care planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health, your home, and your savings as you age.
- [Westchester Living Wills Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-living-wills-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Westchester residents prepare Living Wills that offer clarity, comfort, and control when it matters most.
- [Westchester High Net Worth Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-high-net-worth-estate-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we provide sophisticated estate planning solutions for high net worth clients in Westchester, helping you maintain control of your wealth.
- [Westchester Health Care Proxy Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-health-care-proxy-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Westchester residents prepare Health Care Proxies that offer peace of mind and ensure their healthcare choices are respected.
- [Westchester Guardianship Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-guardianship-attorney/): Our Westchester guardianship attorneys guide families through the guardianship process with care, clarity, and a deep understanding of New York law.
- [Westchester Estate Litigation Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-estate-litigation-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester estate litigation attorneys represent beneficiaries, heirs, executors, and trustees with experienced & strategic guidance.
- [Westchester Elder Financial Abuse Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-elder-financial-abuse-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester elder financial abuse attorneys help families identify, stop, and prevent elder financial abuse.
- [Westchester Dynasty Trusts Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-dynasty-trusts-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help high-net-worth clients in Westchester create Dynasty Trusts that secure their legacy far into the future.
- [Westchester Conservatorship Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-conservatorship-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester conservatorship attorneys help families navigate these complex situations with care, clarity, and legal precision.
- [Westchester Charitable Trusts Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-charitable-trusts-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Westchester residents create and manage charitable trusts that align with both personal values and financial objectives.
- [Westchester Business Succession Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-business-succession-planning-attorney/): Whether you're preparing for retirement, an unexpected emergency, or long-term growth, business succession planning ensures your enterprise continues to thrive while protecting your family, employees, and financial legacy.
- [Westchester Asset Protection Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-asset-protection-attorney/): Our Westchester asset protection attorneys help residents and business owners implement strategies that are legally sound and tailored to their unique needs.
- [Westchester Advance Directives Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-advance-directives-attorney/): We help individuals and families in Westchester prepare advance directives that are clear, legally sound, and fully aligned with their personal wishes.
- [Westchester Elder Law Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/westchester-elder-law-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Westchester elder law attorneys help seniors and their loved ones navigate these complex issues with compassion and clarity.
- [Bronx & Westchester Estate Planning](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/estate-planning-asset-protection/): The Bronx & Westchester estate planning attorneys at Cavallo & Cavallo help individuals and families in all of New York City and Westchester County.
- [Bronx & Westchester Real Estate Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/real-estate-purchases-and-sales/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Bronx & Westchester real estate attorneys have over 32 years of legal experience focused in the area of real estate transactions.
- [Bronx & Westchester Personal Injury Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/personal-injury/): Since 1989, Bronx personal injury attorneys, Cavallo & Cavallo have been coming to the aid of Bronx and Westchester personal injury victims.
- [Bronx & Westchester Medicaid & Nursing Home Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/nursing-home-community-medicaid-nysarc-trusts/): Cavallo & Cavallo Attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced Medicaid & elder law attorneys serving the Bronx and Westchester.
- [Bronx & Westchester Disinterment Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/bronx-westchester-disinterment-attorney/): Our Bronx & Westchester disinterment attorney at Cavallo & Cavallo can guide families through the process and provide the necessary legal advice.
- [Queens Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/queens-estate-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, our Queens estate planning attorneys provide clear, effective strategies tailored to your unique situation.
- [Manhattan Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/manhattan-estate-planning-attorney/): Our Manhattan estate planning attorneys give you clarity and peace of mind while addressing the unique New York City financial and legal considerations.
- [Queens Business Owner Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/queens-business-owner-estate-planning-attorney/): We are here to help Queens business owners create clear, effective plans that address today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.
- [Manhattan Business Owner Estate Planning Attorney](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/manhattan-business-owner-estate-planning-attorney/): At Cavallo & Cavallo, we help Manhattan business owners design estate plans that protect their companies, secure their futures, and provide peace of mind.

## Recent Articles

- [SCPA 2103 Discovery Proceedings: Recovering Estate Assets Someone Is Hiding](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/scpa-2103-discovery-proceedings-recovering-estate-assets-someone-is-hiding/) (2026-11-03): Families rarely talk openly about money while everyone is still alive, which is part of why so much confusion follows a death.
- [Family Limited Partnerships and Family LLCs in High Net-Worth Estate Plans](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/family-limited-partnerships-and-family-llcs-in-high-net-worth-estate-plans/) (2026-11-02): Once a family's wealth grows past a certain point, a will and a revocable trust start to feel like only part of the picture.
- [The Federal Estate Tax Exemption After the 2026 Tax Law: What Changed and What Didn’t](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/the-federal-estate-tax-exemption-after-the-2026-tax-law-what-changed-and-what-didnt/) (2026-10-27): For years, estate planning articles carried the same warning: the generous federal estate tax exemption from 2017 was scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025, and unless Congress acted, it would roughly cut in half.
- [Naming a Donor-Advised Fund vs. a Charitable Trust in Your Estate Plan](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/naming-a-donor-advised-fund-vs-a-charitable-trust-in-your-estate-plan/) (2026-10-26): Giving to causes you care about does not have to end when your estate settles. Plenty of people build charitable giving into their estate plan, whether that means supporting an animal shelter, a house of worship, or a scholarship fund at their old school.
- [Portability of the Estate Tax Exemption Between Spouses: Is It Worth Electing](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/portability-of-the-estate-tax-exemption-between-spouses-is-it-worth-electing/) (2026-10-20): Married couples often assume that whatever one spouse does not use of their estate tax exemption will automatically carry over to the other. At the federal level, that assumption is correct, but only if the surviving spouse's executor takes a specific, timely step.
- [When an Irrevocable Trust Can (and Cannot) Be Modified Under New York Law](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/when-an-irrevocable-trust-can-and-cannot-be-modified-under-new-york-law/) (2026-10-19): The word "irrevocable" sounds absolute, and many clients assume that once they sign an irrevocable trust instrument, its terms are frozen forever.
- [Handshake or Gavel? Closing the Books on a New York Trust](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/handshake-or-gavel-closing-the-books-on-a-new-york-trust/) (2026-10-13): Every trust eventually reaches the point where the trustee has to show the work. Money came in, money went out, investments rose and fell, and the beneficiaries are entitled to see how it all adds up. New York gives trustees two ways to settle that accounting.
- [No Health Care Proxy? New York Has Already Picked Someone for You](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/no-health-care-proxy-new-york-has-already-picked-someone-for-you/) (2026-10-12): Most people assume that if they never signed a health care proxy, nobody has the authority to speak for them in a hospital. The reality is closer to the opposite. New York has a default answer to the question of who decides, and it is written into state law as a ranked list.
- [Does Your Estate Plan Require Your Children to Sell Their Childhood Home?](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/does-your-estate-plan-require-your-children-to-sell-their-childhood-home/) (2026-09-22): In crafting your estate plan, you have probably put a lot of thought into protecting your children from financial burdens.
- [The Elder Care Financial Crisis Can Begin Long Before a Medical Emergency](https://www.cavallolawyers.com/the-elder-care-financial-crisis-can-begin-long-before-a-medical-emergency/) (2026-09-21): There are plenty of ways to measure the vast divide between the fortunate few and everyone else. You have managed to live a happy life by being at peace with the fact that everyone has finite financial resources. Most of the time, it does not cause you great emotional distress.

## Profiles

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/people/Cavallo-Cavallo/100064163164155/#)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cavallo-&-cavallo-attorneys/)
- [X](https://x.com/cavallolaw)
- [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/cavallo-and-cavallo-bronx-2)
- [Lawyers.com](https://www.lawyers.com/bronx/new-york/cavallo-and-cavallo-395171-f/)
- [Goo](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ajEMKvLXezBUoyL98)
- [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/10004-ny-lowrance-fisher-4578058.html)
- [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/10004-ny-gregory-stone-4799525.html)

## Reviews

- Rating: 5/5 based on 184 reviews

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What estate planning services does Cavallo & Cavallo offer?

Cavallo & Cavallo prepares wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, living wills, transfer on death deeds, special needs plans, and Medicaid plans. The firm also handles probate, estate administration, trust administration, and estate disputes for families in the Bronx, Westchester, and across New York City.

### Do I need a lawyer to make a will in New York, or can I do it myself?

You can write your own will, but small mistakes in signing or wording can leave your family in court. An attorney makes sure the will is properly signed and witnessed, matches your wishes, and works with the rest of your plan, such as your deed and account beneficiaries.

### How can I keep my Bronx house out of probate?

Common options include a revocable living trust, a transfer on death deed, and certain forms of joint ownership. The best choice depends on whether you may need Medicaid, how many children you have, whether there is a mortgage, and whether the property is a house, condo, or co-op.

### What is a transfer on death deed, and is it right for me?

A transfer on death deed names who will receive your house or condo when you die, without probate for that property. You keep control during your lifetime and can change it later. It works well for some homeowners, but it is not available for co-ops and may not fit a Medicaid plan, so it is worth reviewing with an attorney first.

### My parent passed away. What should I do first?

Locate the original will if there is one, secure the home and any valuables, collect recent bank and mortgage statements, and avoid paying debts or distributing belongings until someone has legal authority over the estate. Then call our office, and we will walk you through the next steps.

### What happens if someone dies without a will in New York?

The estate goes through an administration proceeding, and New York law decides who inherits, usually a spouse, children, or other close relatives. A family member asks the court to be appointed as administrator to handle the estate. We help families through this process from start to finish.

### Do you handle estates in Manhattan and Staten Island?

Yes. Our attorneys help families with estate planning, probate, and estate administration in Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as Westchester and Putnam Counties.

### What is the difference between a living will and a health care proxy?

A living will states your wishes about medical treatment, especially at the end of life. A health care proxy names a trusted person to make medical decisions when you cannot. Most people benefit from having both.

### How can I protect my home and savings from nursing home costs?

Planning ahead gives you the most options, often through a Medicaid asset protection trust. Families facing an immediate nursing home stay still have choices, including NYSARC pooled trusts. Our elder law attorneys review your situation and explain what can still be done.

### Can you help if I am selling a parent's house after they pass away?

Yes. We handle the estate side, including getting the executor or administrator appointed, and the real estate side, including the contract and closing, so the sale moves forward without delay.

### Do you make house calls?

Yes. If you are elderly, disabled, or unable to travel, our attorneys can meet with you at home or in a hospital or care facility to review and sign your documents.

### How do I get started?

Call our Bronx office at (718) 822-2203 or our New Rochelle office at (914) 235-8500 to schedule a free consultation. Our staff can help you in English or Spanish, and Russian-speaking clients can meet with Attorney Fisher.

### Is Cavallo & Cavallo still a family firm?

Cavallo & Cavallo was founded by brothers Vincent and Orlando Cavallo in 1989 and continues under the same name as part of Fisher Stone, P.C. The firm keeps the same neighborhood approach, the same Bronx and New Rochelle offices, and the same focus on estate planning, elder law, and real estate.

### Who are the attorneys at Cavallo & Cavallo today?

The firm is led by Lowrance Fisher and Gregory Stone, the founders of Fisher Stone, P.C. Co-founder Orlando A. Cavallo is retired, and co-founder Vincent A. Cavallo has passed away. Lowrance focuses on residential real estate, and Gregory focuses on estate planning and business law.

### Will my existing will or estate plan from Cavallo & Cavallo still be valid?

Yes. A properly signed will or trust remains valid when a law firm changes leadership. If your plan is several years old, or your family, property, or finances have changed, we recommend scheduling a review to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

### What areas does the firm serve?

We serve the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Westchester and Putnam Counties from our offices in the Bronx and New Rochelle.

### What languages do you speak?

Our staff assists clients in English and Spanish, and Attorney Lowrance Fisher speaks Russian.

### Do you offer home visits?

Yes. If you cannot travel to our office because of age, illness, or disability, our attorneys can meet with you at home or at a hospital or care facility.

### Do I need a lawyer to create a will in New York? While you can create a will without a lawyer, having a Bronx estate planning attorney ensures that your documents meet state requirements, are properly witnessed, and reflect your full intentions.

What happens if I die without a will? New York's intestate succession laws will apply. Your estate may go to a spouse, children, parents, or other relatives based on a legal formula, not necessarily your personal wishes.

### How often should I update my estate plan? You should review your plan every 3 to 5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or a significant change in assets.

Is probate always necessary in New York? Not always. Assets held in trusts or with proper beneficiary designations can bypass probate. However, assets in your name alone will generally go through the probate process unless otherwise planned.

### Can I use a trust to avoid estate taxes? In some cases, yes. Irrevocable trusts and other strategies can reduce the size of your taxable estate and provide other benefits such as asset protection.

What is the difference between a living will and a health care proxy? A living will details your wishes for end-of-life care. A health care proxy appoints someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so.

### What Are Advance Directives?

Advance directives are legal tools that allow you to outline your preferences for medical care and appoint someone to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In New York, the two primary types of advance directives are the Health Care Proxy and the Living Will. A Health Care Proxy allows you to name a trusted person (your agent) to make healthcare decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself. A Living Will outlines the types of medical treatment you do or do not want if you're in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious. Together, these documents give your loved ones clarity and help ensure that your care aligns with your personal values and wishes.

### Can I change my advance directive? Absolutely. You can update or revoke your advance directives at any time, as long as you are mentally competent to do so.

Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance directive? While it’s not required by law, working with a Bronx estate planning attorney ensures your documents are legally sound, accurately reflect your wishes, and are integrated with the rest of your estate plan. What happens if I don't have an advance directive? If you become incapacitated and don’t have an advance directive, your family may have to go to court to appoint a guardian, or the medical team may make decisions without knowing your preferences. Can my healthcare agent override my wishes? No. Your healthcare agent is required to follow your stated wishes in the advance directive. If no specific instructions exist, they must act in your best interest.

### Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance directive? While it’s not required by law, working with a Bronx estate planning attorney ensures your documents are legally sound, accurately reflect your wishes, and are integrated with the rest of your estate plan.

What happens if I don't have an advance directive? If you become incapacitated and don’t have an advance directive, your family may have to go to court to appoint a guardian, or the medical team may make decisions without knowing your preferences. Can my healthcare agent override my wishes? No. Your healthcare agent is required to follow your stated wishes in the advance directive. If no specific instructions exist, they must act in your best interest.

### What happens if I don't have an advance directive? If you become incapacitated and don’t have an advance directive, your family may have to go to court to appoint a guardian, or the medical team may make decisions without knowing your preferences.

Can my healthcare agent override my wishes? No. Your healthcare agent is required to follow your stated wishes in the advance directive. If no specific instructions exist, they must act in your best interest.

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Last updated: 2026-11-06
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