Business Details
31 Years
experience
Elder Law & Estate Planning Services in New Jersey
Established in 1995, our law firm specializes in elder law and estate planning, providing compassionate and comprehensive legal solutions for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families. We focus on Medicaid planning, asset protection, long-term care strategies, and estate administration, ensuring clients navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence. Our team combines deep expertise in federal and state regulations to safeguard clients' financial futures while maintaining their dignity and independence. With offices in Union, Hackensack, and Wayne, New Jersey, we deliver personalized guidance tailored to the unique needs of each family facing elder care challenges. 
Services
Estate Planning
Medicaid Planning
Veterans Benefits
Special Needs Trust
Asset Protection
Guardianship
Probate Administration
Long-Term Care
Disability Planning
Dual Citizenship Planning
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Over 25 years of focused experience in elder law and estate planning
- Specialized expertise in Medicaid eligibility and long-term care planning
- Personalized asset protection strategies tailored to individual needs
- Proven track record with complex special needs trust implementations
- Active involvement in senior citizen advocacy and education programs
What people say
Trustworthy and knowledgeable
Highly recommend Benjamin Eckman
Expertise and support
Timely service
Calming legal advisor
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and healthcare directives to ensure your assets and wishes are protected. Our plans address tax implications, guardianship for minors, and healthcare decision-making authority. Clients receive tailored strategies that evolve with changing family dynamics and legal requirements.
Medicaid Planning
Our Medicaid planning services help clients qualify for benefits while protecting assets through legal strategies like irrevocable trusts and asset transfers. We navigate complex eligibility rules to preserve family wealth while securing necessary long-term care coverage for nursing home or home-based care.
Special Needs Trust
We establish special needs trusts that protect government benefits for disabled individuals while providing supplemental financial resources. Our trusts ensure beneficiaries maintain eligibility for Medicaid and SSI while receiving enhanced quality of life support through carefully structured legal frameworks.
Asset Protection
Our asset protection strategies safeguard client resources from long-term care costs and potential creditors through legal tools like trusts and strategic transfers. We balance protection needs with maintaining Medicaid eligibility and preserving family wealth for future generations.
Guardianship
We assist families in establishing guardianship for incapacitated adults through court proceedings and documentation. Our services include creating legal frameworks for decision-making authority over healthcare, finances, and personal matters while respecting individual rights and capabilities.
People
Benjamin D. Eckman
Attorney at Law
Elder law specialist with 25+ years experience in Medicaid planning, estate administration, and special needs trusts. Lectures extensively on elder law topics and actively participates in senior advocacy groups across New Jersey.
Questions
What does an elder law attorney do in New Jersey?
Elder law attorneys help seniors plan for long-term care, protect assets, and navigate Medicaid eligibility while addressing estate planning needs.
How can I protect assets from nursing home costs in NJ?
Through Medicaid planning strategies like irrevocable trusts and strategic asset transfers while maintaining eligibility for benefits.
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will requires probate while a trust avoids probate and provides ongoing asset management during incapacity and after death.
Do I need a lawyer for Medicaid applications in NJ?
While not required, legal guidance ensures accurate applications and protects assets through compliant planning strategies.
When should I update my estate plan?
Review plans after major life events or every 3-5 years to ensure compliance with current laws and personal circumstances.
What estate planning documents are essential?
Key documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and special needs trusts for comprehensive protection.
Reviews (5)
Mindy Barad
Oct 31, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Ben Eckman is very knowledgeable, very professional and very accessible!
Ben Eckman is very knowledgeable, very professional and very accessible!
Steve Pasmanik
Oct 30, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Have known him a very long time and highly recommend Mr. Eckman! Nobody better for legal advice and estate planning.
Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Have known him a very long time and highly recommend Mr. Eckman! Nobody better for legal advice and estate planning.
Alba Zebrowski
Oct 27, 2021
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I have know Mr. Eckman in a professional capacity for several years and always respected his ethics and professionalism. When it came time for me to find an eldercare attorney, he was my first choice.
Joyce Goodman
Oct 16, 2021
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We all know life often puts us in a place where we have very little personal knowledge or experience with which to address an issue. It is at that time that
we are usually confused and in need of advice and direction coupled with patience. I first met Mr Eckman 2005 as I struggled to make sense of my Moms personal records and her immediate needs. I continue to recommend Mr Eckman to family and friends in similar situations.with full confidence. Joyce - Union NJ
we are usually confused and in need of advice and direction coupled with patience. I first met Mr Eckman 2005 as I struggled to make sense of my Moms personal records and her immediate needs. I continue to recommend Mr Eckman to family and friends in similar situations.with full confidence. Joyce - Union NJ
Alex Sirotkin
Oct 14, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
My brokerage firm was involved with Mr. Eckman a few years ago in our representation of his client. I found him to be both extremely competent and courteous. He exhibited genuine intent for doing the right thing for his client.
My brokerage firm was involved with Mr. Eckman a few years ago in our representation of his client. I found him to be both extremely competent and courteous. He exhibited genuine intent for doing the right thing for his client.
