During an interview at The Wealth Advisor's 2026 Trust Summit, Ettinger Law Firm founder Michael Ettinger explained what estate planning is and why it matters. He described how a plan that is reviewed over time can ease stress and uncertainty for older adults and their families.
ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Michael Ettinger, founder of Ettinger Law Firm, was a featured guest at The Wealth Advisor's inaugural Trust Summit, an online event held on September 24, 2026, for financial advisors interested in trust and estate planning. During an approximately 38-minute interview with host Scott Martin, Mr. Ettinger emphasized that a truly effective plan must reflect each family's unique wishes and circumstances, address long-term care needs and be regularly updated as life evolves.
What Is Estate Planning and Why Is It Important?
Estate planning is the process of arranging in advance how a person's healthcare and property will be managed if illness, disability or death occurs. Mr. Ettinger explained that the importance of estate planning extends beyond preparing documents. A thoughtful plan should capture a family's relationships and values, address future care needs and be flexible as circumstances change.
The benefits of estate planning begin during a person's lifetime. A comprehensive approach may include long-term care planning, consideration of Medicaid eligibility and the use of trusts for asset protection and the distribution of property to designated beneficiaries.
In his summit interview, Mr. Ettinger also highlighted that elder law and estate planning are most effective when considered together. Elder law addresses legal questions related to aging — such as disability, care and inheritance — and integrating it into the estate planning process ensures a holistic and proactive strategy. He also explained the role of the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, a legal tool that can help families shield assets if long-term care is required.
Which Planning Mistakes Add to Family Stress?
Mr. Ettinger mentioned inadequate communication and follow-up, failure to move intended assets into the trust, and leaving inheritances without sufficient protection as common planning mistakes. Incomplete funding of a plan can leave beneficiaries facing uncertainty at times when clarity matters most.
To help prevent these issues, Ettinger Law Firm maintains open channels of communication with clients. The firm encourages a review of each estate plan at least every three years, so legal documents can be updated to reflect changes in health, finances, laws or family dynamics. This ongoing support is designed to help protect clients' homes, families and futures.
Recognizing the importance of family dynamics, the firm's guidance suggests having important conversations away from potentially stressful holiday gatherings. "A weekday morning at the kitchen table works better," the team advises.
Financially, planning up front can secure a family's home and life savings against the high costs of nursing care. "About 7 in 10 people turning 65 will need some form of long-term care, and the expenses can climb quickly. Planning with the right tools can protect a home and life savings from being spent on nursing care," the firm says.
Ettinger Law Firm aims to make the estate planning process accessible and stress-free. Initial consultations and legal reviews are offered at no cost, and calls or emails for ongoing support are complimentary. No fees are charged on planning documents until clients are ready to sign, allowing families the time they need to make confident decisions.
About Ettinger Law Firm
Ettinger Law Firm is the largest elder law and trust and estate planning law firm in New York, with 13 locations across the state. Founded by attorney Michael Ettinger, it helps older adults and families with long-term care, Medicaid, trust and estate planning.
Media Contact
Michael Ettinger, Ettinger Law Firm, 1 800-500-2525, [email protected], https://www.trustlaw.com
SOURCE Ettinger Law Firm
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