How much does it cost to hire Bernard for a elder law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bernard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Bernard offer a free consultation?

Bernard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bernard's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Bernard's current terms during booking.

How long do elder law cases in New York typically take?

Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Bernard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Bernard take my case if I'm outside New York?

Bernard is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Bernard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Bernard?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Bernard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Bernard accepting new elder law clients right now?

Bernard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Bernard A. Krooks, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Bernard A. Krooks is a managing partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Bernard has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Littman Krooks LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: New York, NY
Experience: over 40 years
Known for: Elder Law · Estate Litigation · Estate Planning

Handles Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning matters from New York, NY.
Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Bernard A. Krooks

Bernard concentrates on elder law, estate litigation, estate planning, estate tax, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Bernard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in New York

Bernard takes elder law matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bernard agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in New York

Bernard takes estate litigation matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bernard agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in New York

Bernard takes estate planning matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bernard agrees to represent you.

Estate Tax cases in New York

Bernard takes estate tax matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bernard agrees to represent you.

General cases in New York

Bernard takes general matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bernard agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Bernard A. Krooks — Over 40 years of New York elder law experience

Bernard A. Krooks is a managing partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Bernard has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Littman Krooks LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Bernard A. Krooks is founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP and chair of its Elder Law and Special Needs Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in elder law and special needs planning. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© for Elder Law and Trusts & Estates since 2008 and was named as 2020 “Lawyer of the Year." Krooks is a member of the Estate Planning Hall of Fame of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, an award given in recognition of distinguished service in estate planning. He is past president of the Board of Directors of the Arc of Westchester, the largest agency in Westchester County serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Krooks is immediate past chair of the Elder Law Committee of ACTEC. He also is immediate past chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Planning Group of the Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Section of the American Bar Association. Krooks is past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and past chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association. He has been named to New York Super Lawyers since 2006 and the Top 25 Westchester County list since 2009.

Bernard's approach to elder law cases

Bernard A. Krooks is founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP and chair of its Elder Law and Special Needs Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in elder law and special needs planning. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© for Elder Law and Trusts & Estates since 2008 and was named as 2020 “Lawyer of the Year." Krooks is a member of the Estate Planning Hall of Fame of…

Clients Bernard works with

Bernard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate litigation, and estate planning matters across New York.

Credentials

Bernard A. Krooks's legal education and bar admissions

Hofstra University J.D. with honors New York University LL.M. Taxation
—
State University of New York at Albany B.S. magna cum laude
—

Jurisdictions

Bernard's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court a
1986 · ACTIVE
New York
1986 · ACTIVE

Bernard studied at — in Hofstra University J.D. with honors New York University LL.M. Taxation and — in State University of New York at Albany B.S. magna cum laude.

Law school and academic background

Bernard completed — in Hofstra University J.D. with honors New York University LL.M. Taxation and — in State University of New York at Albany B.S. magna cum laude. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Bernard runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Bernard A. Krooks

Bernard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Bernard A. Krooks's office in New York

Bernard's primary office is at 1325 Avenue of the Americas 15th Floor, New York, NY, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Littman Krooks LLP

1325 Avenue of the Americas 15th Floor

New York, NY 10017

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Bernard A. Krooks — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Bernard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in New York.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Bernard A. Krooks claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Bernard A. Krooks — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Bernard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Bernard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bernard's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Bernard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Bernard

Bernard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Bernard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Bernard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Bernard A. Krooks

How much does it cost to hire Bernard for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bernard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Bernard offer a free consultation?
Bernard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bernard's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Bernard's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in New York typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Bernard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Bernard take my case if I'm outside New York?
Bernard is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Bernard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Bernard?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Bernard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Bernard accepting new elder law clients right now?
Bernard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by elder law attorneys like Bernard A. Krooks. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Contest My Grandfather’s Will In New York?
My grandfather passed away last month in New York City, and I've discovered that he left a will that excludes me from his estate. I believe he was under undue influence when he mad
1 verified answer · Elder Law · New York
How Can I Protect My Mother’s Assets In Florida Nursing Home?
My mother just moved into a nursing home in Tampa, Florida, and we're worried about her savings being depleted for the care. She has around $100,000 in savings and owns a home. I r
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Florida
What Do I Need To Know About Advance Directives In Colorado?
I’m discussing healthcare decisions with my elderly aunt in Denver, Colorado, and I want her wishes documented through an advance directive. What do I need to know about creating o
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Colorado
How Can I Avoid Probate In Tennessee For My Parents’ Estate?
My parents passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, and I want to avoid the lengthy probate process for their estate. They had some assets but no will. What legal options do I have to
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Tennessee
What Are My Responsibilities As A Guardian In Texas?
I was recently appointed guardian for my elderly father who lives in Austin, Texas, after he developed dementia. I'm not sure about my legal obligations, especially concerning his
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Texas
What Legal Documents Do I Need For My Aging Parents In Virginia?
My parents live in Richmond, Virginia, and I want to get their legal affairs in order as they age. I know they need a will and other documents, but I’m unclear about what exactly i
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Virginia

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

Bernard handles elder law matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.

Bernard A. Krooks, Elder Law Attorney in New York

Quick answer