Elder Law News
From Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP
March 2026
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New York's Elder Law Team
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Happily Ever After Begins with an Estate Plan
By: Lauren C. Enea, Esq.
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Recently, I was fortunate enough to visit Disney World with close friends, my husband and two children (ages 5 and 3), and though I REALLY tried not to think about work, I couldn’t help but imagine what a masterful estate planner Walt Disney would have been.
At first glance, estate planning and Disney World may seem to have nothing in common. One evokes legal documents, court proceedings, and the dreary due diligence necessary for long-term planning. The other conjures visions of family fun, the wonders of fairy tales, and the sweet, innocent magic that dreams are made of. I challenge you to look a little closer; the same principles that create a smooth, magical Disney experience are those that curate a stress-free estate plan.
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The Final Act: Medical Aid in Dying Legislation Passes in New York
By: Stella King, Esq.
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Despite opposition from religious leaders and certain patient advocate groups, NY has joined the growing list of states that allow a terminally ill, mentally competent adult to end their life through the use of self-administered medication. The Medical Aid In Dying Act, S.138, A.136 (“MAID” or the “Act”), signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on February 6, 2026, will become effective on or about August 5, 2026. While NY’s Department of Health is still in the process of developing the official regulations, training procedures, and clinical guidance for providers (who may opt out of the Act), below are some key components of MAID as we understand it today:
The Act provides that a NY resident who is 18 years old, mentally competent, and has a terminal condition with a prognosis of six months or less to live, can make a request to their physician to end their life. The request must be both oral (via audio or video) and in writing. MAID further requires that the written request be witnessed by two impartial adults, who also affix their signatures to the written document and attest that the individual is mentally competent and is making the request of their own accord, free of undue influence. Notably, this request cannot be made by an agent under the individual’s Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney—it can only be made by the individual.
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Samantha Lyons Named Co-Chair of the Senior Law Day Collaborative
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Samantha Lyons, a partner at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, has been named Co-Chair of the Senior Law Day Collaborative, a longstanding community initiative dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate complex legal and financial issues.
Samantha has been involved with the Collaborative since the early years of her legal career. In late 2024, she stepped into a leadership role as Sponsorship Chair, helping expand the program’s reach and support. In her new role as Co-Chair, she will help guide the organization’s mission of providing accessible, expert guidance to seniors throughout the region.
The Senior Law Day Collaborative hosts free educational seminars and one-to-one, 15-minute consultations, bringing together attorneys, financial planners, and geriatric care managers to address important issues facing older adults and their families. For more information, visit: https://www.seniorlawday.info/about/
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Upcoming Speaking Engagements
Featuring the Attorneys of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP
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Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 1:00-2:00pm
Lauren C. Enea, Esq. will be speaking on
“Planning Options for the Transfer of a Primary Residence”
Hosted by: Judicial Title Insurance Agency
Webinar
This program is appropriate for legal professionals.
For more information or to register, visit:
https://tinyurl.com/bdd42t9k
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Monday, March 16, 2026 from 3:00-4:00pm
Lauren C. Enea, Esq. will be speaking on
“Utilizing a Trust for Your Elder Law and Estate Planning Needs”
Hosted by: Bronxville Public Library
In Person: 201 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville, NY 10708
For more information or to register, visit:
https://tinyurl.com/bde8wap8
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Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 7:00-8:30pm
Sara Meyers, Esq. will be speaking on
“Accountable Aging: Preparing for the Elder Years”
Hosted by: Chappaqua Continuing Education
In Person: 70 Roaring Brook Rd, Chappaqua, NY 10514
For more information or to register, visit:
https://tinyurl.com/bd2eubf2
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Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 12:30-1:30pm
Lauren C. Enea, Esq. will be speaking on
“Drafting an Effective Power of Attorney”
Hosted by: White Plains Bar Association
Webinar
This program is appropriate for legal professionals.
For more information or to register, call: (914) 428-8800
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Thursday, March 25, 2026 from 6:00-7:00pm
Sara Meyers, Esq. will be speaking on
“Accountable Aging: Preparing for the Elder Years”
Hosted by: Hudson River Community Education
In Person: 505 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
For more information or to register, visit:
https://tinyurl.com/bd2eubf2
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Monday, March 30, 2026 from 8:00am-5:00pm
Sara Meyers, Esq. will be speaking on
“Protecting Against Elder Mistreatment and Senior Scams”
Hosted by: CaringKind 1st Annual Dementia Education Conference
In Person: 1216 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029
This program is appropriate for legal professionals
and family care partners. For more information or
to register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yneu8knk
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Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 12:00-12:50pm
Lauren C. Enea, Esq. will be speaking on
“Aging in Place with Medicaid Home Care”
Hosted by: Lawline
Webinar
This program is appropriate for legal professionals.
For more information or to register, visit:
https://tinyurl.com/bp9x5a4h
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