Estate and elder law, personalized.
What makes Byrne Estate & Elder Law different?
35 years of focused experience
For over three decades, Attorney Elizabeth Byrne has demonstrated passion for and commitment to the fields of estate and disability planning and estate settlement. As a long-time member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Liz has built a strong reputation as a subject matter expert in the estate and elder law fields for years and stays up-to-date on constant changes to state & federal laws.
Licensed to practice law in CT, NY and FL
Licensed to practice law in Connecticut and New York since the mid-1980s, Liz recently saw an opportunity to better serve her “snowbird” clients voicing needs for interstate expertise in Florida estate and elder law. With a desire to provide more comprehensive service to her clients, Liz studied for and passed the Florida Bar Exam in 2017 and is now licensed to prepare Florida estate and disability documents.
Unparalleled level of client service and care
While Liz has long been recognized as a thorough and highly-skilled attorney, what sets Liz apart in her clients’ eyes is her genuine compassion and concern for their unique needs, wishes and personal situations. Liz cares deeply about her clients and is often called upon to serve as an agent under powers of attorney, trustee, and executor by her clients—evidence of their trust in her to fulfill their wishes.
Our practice areas
Estate planning
We have deep expertise in the crafting of individualized estate planning documents providing for loved ones. Regardless of whether you have straightforward needs, or complex needs driven by common occurrences like shared ownership of assets, multiple marriages, or troubled children, we have the background and commitment to provide top-notch estate planning service from start to finish.
Estate settlement
We provide unmatched service in guiding family members in the days & months following the death of a loved one, including short-form probate, formal probate and trust settlement. Our other key services include: confirmation that a surviving spouse’s medical insurance is intact and that any minors have court-appointed guardians, assistance in the set-up of estate & trust accounts, and management of the settlement process.
Elder law
Whether disability planning is being coordinated years before it’s necessary with the updating of power of attorney documents, or in response to a recent medical crisis, we can help guide clients though any and all of their elder law and disability planning needs. We listen to our clients first, evaluate risk, consider options for asset preservation, and explain the issues and planning techniques throughout the process.
Our Services
Preparation of a comprehensive range of estate planning & elder law documents, including:
Last wills and testaments
Revocable and irrevocable trusts
Disability trusts
Durable power of attorney documents for financial matters (including general, limited and springing power of attorney documents)
Health care directives
Estate & trust settlement, from death to final distribution of inheritance
Collaboration with clients’ financial advisors and Certified Public Accountants
Evaluation of Medicaid planning opportunities and asset protection techniques
Preparation and submission of Medicaid applications
About Attorney Byrne
Since receiving her licenses to practice law in Connecticut and New York in 1985 and 1986, Attorney Elizabeth N. Byrne has built a strong professional reputation and deep expertise within the estate planning & elder law fields. Regularly working with clients in the preparation of their last wills and testaments, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills and health care proxies, and in the settlement of estates and trusts, Liz takes great pride in providing genuine care and commitment, unmatched personal attention, and excellent quality of work to each and every one of her clients.
Serving as a testament to Liz’ exceptional level of client service, she recently saw an opportunity to better serve her “snowbird” clients who were increasingly voicing needs for expertise in Florida law despite spending most of the year in Connecticut. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Liz focused on studying Florida law and passed the Florida bar exam in 2017. In addition to now being able to provide her clients with a rare and nuanced level of interstate counsel, earning her Florida license has also allowed Liz to provide her clients with the convenience of preparing and executing their Florida estate and disability documents from their homes in Connecticut.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in Schenectady, New York, Liz earned her bachelor’s degree from Siena College and her law degree from Pace University School of Law in 1985. Since then, Liz spent a majority of her law career at Farrell, Geenty, Sheeley & Boccalatte PC in Middletown, Connecticut, and enjoyed raising her two children in Madison, Connecticut, where she still lives with her husband.
Awards, credentials & professional accolades
Licensed to practice law in Connecticut (1985), New York (1986), and Florida (2017)
Outstanding Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Connecticut Chapter, 2008-2009
President’s Award, NAELA (Connecticut Chapter), 2015
Board of Directors, NAELA (Connecticut Chapter)
Member, Middlesex Health Ethics Committee
Corporator, Middlesex Health
Member, Middlesex County Bar Association
Member, Connecticut Bar Association (Elder Law and Estates and Probate Sections)
Member, Florida Bar Association (Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Out-of-Staters Sections)
Member, American Bar Association (Real Property and Probate Sections)
Speaker with the Honorable Joseph D. Marino at the CT Bar Association’s “Joint Estates and Probate” Seminar on the topic of Uniform Adult Guardianship Laws for the Probate Court Assembly, 2017
Editor-in-Chief, CT NAELA Practice Update
Author, CT NAELA Practice Update, “A to Z (Zoe) of Household Employees,” “Understanding the Medicare Hospice Benefit,” “and “New Federal Tax Basis and Reporting Rules Apply to Certain Decedents’ Estates.”
Frequent speaker for the AARP & Alzheimer’s Organizations
Proud member of
Testimonials
“Attorney Byrne was a terrific resource before, during and after my late mother’s death. She was an invaluable asset to our family.”
— Nancy B.
Attorney Elizabeth Byrne is widely recognized throughout the legal and medical communities for her expertise in estate planning, elder law, and Title XIX asset protection planning. She is among that small number of attorneys who combines a thorough understanding of the intricacies of the law with a calm, caring, and compassionate disposition. As the result of my personal experience as a client of Attorney Byrne’s, I have gladly referred other clients to her - always confident that the client will be represented exceptionally well. I congratulate Attorney Byrne on the establishment of her own legal practice.
— Attorney Karen Jansen Casey
“I have been a practicing CPA in CT for over 30 years and have worked with Attorney Byrne during this time. She has provided excellent professional services to several of my clients and also handled my own parents’ elder care plans, which included Will preparation and a Title 19 application. I consider her an expert in elder care law and highly recommend her to anyone who has a need for these services.”
— Ben S.
How can we help you?
We’d love to hear about your unique situation and needs, and walk you through our recommended options and next steps.