Anthony J. Enea
Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP
Recognized since 2012
White Plains, New York
Elder Law
Trusts and Estates
Anthony J. Enea, Esq. is the managing partner of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP with offices in White Plains and Somers, New York. For nearly 40 years, Mr. Enea has devoted his practice to educating and protecting the rights of seniors, the disabled and their families from the costs of long term care.
Mr. Enea and his firm concentrate their practice on Elder Law, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Asset Protecting Planning, Special Needs Planning, Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home and Home Care) and Guardianships (contested/non-contested).
He is the author of hundreds of published articles and a frequent lecturer to seniors, the disabled, attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors, with respect to the planning options available to seniors and their rights. For decades Mr. Enea's articles have been published in such publications as the New York State Bar Journal, the Trusts and Estates, Elder Law, General Practice Law and Elder Law Journal for the New York State Bar Association, the Westchester County Business Journal and the Westchester County Bar Journal and Newsletter, and Tax Stringer for the New York State Society of CPAs.
Mr. Enea has been certified and re-certified as an elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation as accredited by the American Bar Association*. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section of the New York State Bar Association as a vice-chair of the Committee on the Elderly and Disabled.
Mr. Enea is the past chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Enea is a past president and a founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He is also a member of the Council of Advanced Practitioners of NAELA and the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County.
Mr. Enea is a past president of the Westchester County Bar Association and Westchester County Bar Foundation.
Mr. Enea is a past chair of the 50+ Section of the New York State Bar Association.
Mr. Enea is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and was the recipient of the Dr. Joseph A. Cimino Community Service Award from the Dominican Sisters and the Honorable Richard J. Daranco Distinguished Service Award from the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County. He was also an honoree at the Westchester County Bar Foundation's 2024 Annual Benefit.
Mr. Enea is the founder of the Anthony J. Enea Elder Law Scholarship at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.
Mr. Enea has been selected as a Super Lawyer for the eighteenth consecutive year, and for 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 was selected as a Top 25 Super Lawyer in Westchester County.
Mr. Enea for the fourteenth consecutive year has also been selected for inclusion in the “Best Lawyers in America” as an Elder Law Attorney (2012-2025). In addition, he was recognized as a Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in White Plains five times.
Mr. Enea is an “AV” Rated Preeminent Attorney as rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Mr. Enea is also fluent in Italian.
*The National Elder Law Foundation is not affiliated with any Governmental authority. Certification is not a requirement for the practice of Law in the State of New York and does not necessarily indicate greater competence than other attorneys experienced in this field of law.
- E-mail: a.enea@esslawfirm.com
- Direct Phone Number: 914-948-1500
- Phone Number: 914-948-1500
- Lawyer Page: https://www.esslawfirm.com/attorney/anthony-j-enea/
- 245 Main Street, Suite 500
White Plains, NY 10601
- English
- Italian
- Pace University, J.D., graduated 1985
- New York, New York, 1986
- New York, U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1986
- Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County - Board Member
- Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Board of Visitors - Member
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys - Founding Member, Past President, New York Chapter
- National Elder Law Foundation - Certified Elder Law Attorney
- New York State Bar Association - Past Chair, Elder Law & Special Needs Section
- New York State Bar Association - Past Chair, 50+ Lawyers Section
- New York State Bar Foundation - Fellow
- Office of Court Administration for the State of New York - Member, Guardianship Advisory Committee
- Westchester County Bar Association - Past President
- Westchester County Bar Foundation - Immediate Past President
Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP
1 The Best Lawyers in America® award
1 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America award
Visit Website
View Firm Profile
- Trusts and Estates, White Plains (2019)
- Elder Law, White Plains (2018)
- Trusts and Estates, White Plains (2017)
- Elder Law, White Plains (2016)
- Trusts and Estates, White Plains (2015)
- Elder Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Estate Planning
- Medicaid
- Best Lawyer, Elder Law and Trusts & Estates, The Best Lawyers in America, 2012 – 2025
- Top 25 Super Lawyers, Westchester County, Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2010, 2013 – 2015, 2018 – 2024
- Super Lawyers, New York Metro, Thomson Reuters, 2007 – 2024
Honoree, Annual Benefit, Westchester County Bar Foundation, 2024
- Lawyer of the Year in Trusts and Estates, White Plains, Best Lawyers in America, 2015, 2017, 2019
- Lawyer of the Year in Elder Law, White Plains, Best Lawyers in America, 2016, 2018
- Distinguished Service Award, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, 2018
- Honorable Richard J. Daronco Distinguished Service Award, Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County, 2016
- Dr. Joseph A. Cimino Community Service Award, ArchCare at Home, 2016
- Golden Harvest Corporate Award, Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, 2014
- Westchester County's Leading Elder Care Attorney, Above the Bar Awards, 2013
- AV-Rated Preeminent Attorney, Martindale Hubbell, 2002 - Present
Anthony J. Enea, White Plains "Lawyer of the Year" for Trusts and Estates 2017
by Nat Barr and Nat Barr
Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano's Anthony J. Enea on his 30-year fight to protect the rights of seniors, the disabled, and their families.
The Treatment and Marshalling of Joint Accounts in an Article 81 Guardianship Proceeding
There are numerous legitimate and logical reasons for the creation of a joint account. However, when an Article 81 Guardianship Proceeding is commenced and the Alleged Incapacitated Person (“AIP”) has accounts jointly owned with another person, it is imperative for the Petitioner to determine the reason the joint account(s) was created ...
Protect Your Pets: Westchester Elder Law Attorney Anthony Enea Explains How to Provide for Pets in an Estate Plan
by Anthony J. Enea
Along with pet ownership comes the responsibility of ensuring your companion animal's care and well-being - even if that extends beyond your lifetime.
Does A Joint Bank Account Automatically Contain A Right Of Survivorship?
A joint bank account is a ubiquitous and popular way to own an account with one’s spouse, children, loved ones and friends.
The Problems with Probate
The complexity, cost and delays associated with the Probate process are not often discussed. The following are some of the reasons one should try to avoid utilizing a Last Will that needs to be admitted to Probate upon one's demise:
How To Avoid Five Common Estate and Elder Law Planning Mistakes
Having a basic understanding of these common mistakes can help reduce the risk of making some unfortunate errors.
Factors to Consider when Selecting an Executor, Trustee, or Agent under a Power of Attorney
The decision of who you should select as the executor of your Last Will & Testament, trustee of any trust you create, or as the agent under your Power of Attorney (POA) is a difficult task and one that involves the consideration of numerous factors.
Anthony J. Enea, 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" for Elder Law
by Nicole Ortiz
Anthony J. Enea of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP was named 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" in White Plains for Elder Law.
To Gift or Not to Gift: ’Tis the Question for the Season!
To Gift or Not to Gift: ’Tis the Question for the Season!
Owning Bitcoin May Complicate Your Estate Plan and Income Taxes
Owning Bitcoin May Complicate Your Estate Plan and Income Taxes
4 Legal New Years Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
New Years resolutions don't always work, but these four reasonable suggestions will serve you well for many more years to come.
Factors to Consider When Naming a Health Care Agent
A health care agent can make medical decisions for you and see that your end of life wishes are respected.
Factors to Consider When Naming a Health Care Agent
Factors to Consider When Naming a Health Care Agent
Owning Bitcoin May Complicate Your Estate Plan and Income Taxes
Your cryptocurrency assets could pose problems when it comes to your income and estate taxes.
Is it Time for You to Have the Long-Term Care Planning Talk with Your Parents?
Is it Time for You to Have the Long-Term Care Planning Talk with Your Parents?
Is It Time for You to Have the Long-Term Care Planning Talk With Your Parents?
by Anthony J. Enea
How should you talk to your parents about long-term care options? Estate planning can make for a difficult conversation, but wills and trusts are necessary documents for anyone growing older.
What Is a Pooled Community Trust and How Does It Help Keep New Yorkers in Their Homes?
A pooled community trust allows disabled people who have Medicaid coverage to spend their monthly income that is designated as "surplus" on their own immediate living expenses and daily needs.
Should a Third Party Special Needs Trust Be Revocable or Irrevocable?
Should a Third Party Special Needs Trust Be Revocable or Irrevocable?
Can I Still Protect My Assets if I Need Long Term Care in the Immediate Future?
Can I Still Protect My Assets if I Need Long Term Care in the Immediate Future?
Why the Secure Act of 2019 May Not Make You Feel Very Secure
Why the Secure Act of 2019 May Not Make You Feel Very Secure
What is an “ADL” and Why is it so Important to Medicaid Home Care Applicants?
What is an “ADL” and Why is it so Important to Medicaid Home Care Applicants?
Pandemics and Planning: Lessons Learned
It's important to be prepared for life-threatening emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are six basic estate planning documents and advanced directives that everyone should have in order to deal with any potential health crisis.
The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Long Term Impact on Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes
The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Long Term Impact on Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes
New Medicaid Eligibility Rules Make Asset Protection Planning an Urgent Need!
New Medicaid Eligibility Rules Make Asset Protection Planning an Urgent Need!
What Impact Will the Pandemic and The Presidential Election Have on Federal and New York Estate Tax Exemptions?
What Impact Will the Pandemic and The Presidential Election Have on Federal and New York Estate Tax Exemptions?
Seniors and the Disabled Get a Needed Reprieve from the Imposition of the new Penalty and Lookback Period for Community Medicaid
Seniors and the Disabled Get a Needed Reprieve from the Imposition of the new Penalty and Lookback Period for Community Medicaid
To Gift or Not to Gift? Tis the Question for the Season!
To Gift or Not to Gift? Tis the Question for the Season!
If Covid-19 Is Not Enough to Motivate You to Get Your Estate and Elder Law Planning and Affairs in Order, What Is?
If Covid-19 Is Not Enough to Motivate You to Get Your Estate and Elder Law Planning and Affairs in Order, What Is?
Is This an Opportune Time to Gift Your Commercial Real Estate Holdings for Estate and Gift Tax Planning Purposes?
Is This an Opportune Time to Gift Your Commercial Real Estate Holdings for Estate and Gift Tax Planning Purposes?
The Long-Awaited Modifications to the Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney Have Been Enacted
The Long-Awaited Modifications to the Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney Have Been Enacted
Time to Re-focus on Protecting One’s Home From the Cost of Long Term Care
Time to Re-focus on Protecting One’s Home From the Cost of Long Term Care
The Consequences of Being in Denial About a Loved One’s Deteriorating Condition
The Consequences of Being in Denial About a Loved One’s Deteriorating Condition
The Decision to Transfer One’s Residence to Loved Ones or a Trust Requires Consideration of Many Factors
The Decision to Transfer One’s Residence to Loved Ones or a Trust Requires Consideration of Many Factors
Factors that Help Determine Whether a Senior Is a Victim of Elder Abuse
Factors that Help Determine Whether a Senior Is a Victim of Elder Abuse
The “Last Call” for Medicaid Homecare Without a Look-Back Period for Transfers Has Perhaps Arrived
The “Last Call” for Medicaid Homecare Without a Look-Back Period for Transfers Has Perhaps Arrived
Can New Yorkers Afford Medicaid Home Care & Nursing Home For All?
Can New Yorkers Afford Medicaid Home Care & Nursing Home For All?
Making Sense of the 2022 Changes to the Medicaid Home Care Program
Making Sense of the 2022 Changes to the Medicaid Home Care Program
How Can I Protect My Home with Minimal Impact on My Life?
How Can I Protect My Home with Minimal Impact on My Life?
Merely Creating an LLC Doesn’t Automatically Give You Personal Protection Against Potential Claims and Creditors of the LLC
Merely Creating an LLC Doesn’t Automatically Give You Personal Protection Against Potential Claims and Creditors of the LLC
Where There’s No Will . . .
by Anthony J. Enea
. . . there’s no way for you to ensure your assets get distributed the way you would prefer. A guide to the consequences of exiting the stage without a last will and testament in New York.
2023 Brings Changes to Medicaid Eligibility Requirements & Estate/Gift Tax Exemption
Medicaid home care is a very advantageous option for seniors and the disabled that need assistance with activities of daily living in their home
What Is a QPRT and How Can I Utilize It to My Advantage?
QPRT’s can be an ideal planning tool for second/vacation homes that one expects will remain in the family for generations
Issues Small Business Owners Need to Address When Implementing an Estate Plan
Why estate planning is essential for small business owners – and how to get started
The Importance Of A Third Party SNT For A Disabled Loved One
When considering an SNT for a loved one, it is important to thoroughly review the present and potential future needs of the disabled beneficiary
Have You Kept Your Loved Ones in the Dark?
As one ages, keeping secrets from family may result in the family’s inability to take the necessary steps to protect their loved one’s estate from estate taxes and the cost of long-term care.
Why Regular Reporting by the Agent Under a Power of Attorney Is the Best Practice
Understanding the legal framework and responsibilities for POA agents
Being Proactive in Retirement
While being proactive is a great idea during any stage in life, the failure to do so when one has reached retirement age can be quite expensive.
Is The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) Right for You
Despite recent scrutiny and instances of fraud within the CDPAP program, it remains a valuable option for seniors seeking trusted, personalized care at home.
The Titling of an “In Trust for” Account at a Large Bank May Pose a Challenge
Navigating bank restrictions on account titling and trust requirements can be complex, underscoring the importance of proactive estate planning and clear legal guidance.
States Are Actively Asserting Their Medicaid Claims/Liens Against a Decedent’s Estates
Medicaid's estate recovery rules highlight the critical need for proper planning, such as using an Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, to protect one's home and assets.
THE ABC’S of a DNR
Understanding the difference between a Health Care Proxy and a Do Not Resuscitate Order is vital to ensuring your medical and end-of-life wishes are honored.
Long Term Care Insurance Is Not the Only Way to Pay for the Cost of Long term Care
Long-term care insurance offers peace of mind but, like auto insurance, may never be used, making hybrid policies with dual benefits an appealing alternative for some.
Home is Where the Heart is: The Medicaid Home Care Alternative
While no one plans to enter a nursing home, preparing for all care scenarios ensures seniors can prioritize aging at home with dignity and independence.
Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.
Please use the print button to print this profile page.