Elder Abuse & Fraud — Protecting Seniors from Smarter Scams
Scams Are Getting Smarter. Here’s What You Need to Know. Scams are nothing new—but they've gotten significantly more sophisticated, and older adults are the primary targets. In her latest segment on WGNY, BSF&B Partner Megan Conroy breaks down what today's scams actually look like, why they work, and the elder...
BSF&B Partners Michael Blustein & Richard Shapiro Honored by Orange County Bar Association
Senior Partner Michael S. Blustein and Partner Richard J. Shapiro, J.D., CELA, CAP have been presented with the Orange County Bar Association's award for outstanding service and dedication to the Bar and the citizens of Orange County. The honor was presented at the OCBA's annual business dinner on Thursday, June...
Important 2026 Medicaid Changes: What New York Families Need to Know
Two major Medicaid rule changes took effect in 2026 — and they could shorten Medicaid penalty periods, reduce application delays, and create new planning flexibility for New York families. If you're planning ahead, supporting an aging parent, or currently navigating a Medicaid application, these updates matter. 1. Shorter Penalty Periods...
Planning Ahead: Disposition of Remains — Pre-Planning Your Final Wishes
Planning Ahead: Don’t Leave Your Final Wishes to Your Will Your will handles money and property. But who decides how your body is laid to rest? Most people assume that's a family decision made in the moment — usually in the middle of grief and without your input. In New...
Planning Ahead: Irrevocable Trusts & Medicaid — Long-Term Care Costs & Essential Tools
Long-term care is one of the most expensive costs a person will ever face — and without the right plan, it can wipe out a lifetime of savings. In her latest radio segment, Megan Conroy breaks down the trust that protects against it. The Cost of Care in New York...
Susie C. Sohn Honored with WBAOSC Award
Susie C. Sohn, a partner at Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP (BSF&B), has been named a recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Attorney Member Award by the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties (WBAOSC), recognizing her sustained contributions to the legal profession and the regional legal community. Sohn,...
THE ART OF AVOIDING PROBATE: Simple Tricks Vs. Strategic Planning
"I just want to avoid probate." It’s one of the most common requests Megan Conroy hears at Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP. While bypassing the court is a worthy goal, how you do it matters as much as the result. In her latest radio segment, Megan pulls back the...
Estate Taxes, Capital Gains & Probate: What New York Families Need to Know
Estate planning isn’t just about who gets what—it’s about how much of your estate actually reaches your family versus how much is lost to taxes or tied up in court. BSF&B Partner Megan Conroy joined WGNY to cut through the confusion around estate taxes, capital gains, and the probate process....
BSFB Attorneys Named to HV 2026 Top Lawyers List
BSF&B announced that eight of its attorneys have been named to Hudson Valley Magazine’s 2026 “Top Lawyers” list, a peer-nominated distinction recognizing professional achievement and ethical standards. The 2026 list sees the firm expanding its footprint with the addition of Zachrey Nilsen and honors across multiple diverse practice areas. This...
Managing Partner Will Frank Named 2026 MVP by OC Partnership
The start of 2026 marks an exciting milestone for Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP (BSF&B). Following his recent transition to managing partner, the firm is proud to announce that William Frank has been named the Orange County Partnership’s 2026 Most Valuable Partner (MVP). In a unanimous vote by the...