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Biography
Donna Stefans is the founder and lead attorney at Stefans Law Group PC with over 25 years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Retirement Income Planning, Medicaid optimization, and Income Tax & Asset Management. Her unique expertise allows her to create and maintain holistic life-care plans for clients – from birth to legacy.
Ms. Stefans is frequently sought after to speak at many events and seminars such as Alzheimer's Association of Long Island, the NCCPAP annual Accounting & Tax Symposium, Financial Planning Association of Long Island, Cetera, local senior centers, as well as many networking events.
Ms. Stefans is currently an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) with Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, where she is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and holds her Series 65 with over 30 years of experience in retirement planning, asset protection planning, and wealth management.
Her passion is helping to advocate and educate both attorneys and individuals in the ever-changing world of Elder Law, Estate Planning, and planning for all aspects of a person's financial life. Ms. Stefans’ experience as an attorney and extensive taxation knowledge gives her the tools to help individuals accomplish their estate planning goals and financial needs.
As a council member of the Cetera Financial Group Diversity & Inclusion Council, she advocates for sustainable, systematic change to create a special culture and community that embraces diversity, champions equity, welcomes inclusion and nurtures belonging.
She is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and spends much of her free time working with people who have Alzheimer's, Dementia, and other special needs. Donna is also a board member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys NY Chapter, a community of attorneys who specialize in handling legal issues affecting people as they age and those with special needs.
Ms. Stefans serves as the Chair of the New York State Bar Association, Elder Law Section, Financial Planning & Investment Committee, focused on educating attorneys on estate planning and elder financial advisory concepts. She participates in the: National Academy of Special Needs Planners, National Aging in Place Council, Financial Services Institute, Financial Planning Association, and the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations.
She is also the President of Summit Tax Advisors Inc., a full-service personal, business, trust accounting, income tax, and consulting practice.
Ms. Stefans' passion is helping to advocate and educate both attorneys and individuals in the ever-changing world of Elder Law, Estate Planning, and planning for all aspects of a person's financial life. Her experience as an attorney and extensive taxation knowledge gives her the tools to help individuals accomplish their estate planning goals and financial needs.
Education
- Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, Huntington, New York
- J.D. - 1999
- University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania
- B.S. Finance - 1993
Classes & Seminars
- Estate and Financial Planning, L.I Alzheimers Association
- Retirement Planning & Asset Protection, Cetera Advisor Networks , Present
Pro-Bono Activities
- Horseability, Former Board Member
- Broadlawn Health Partners, Board Member
- National Aging in Place Council, Member and Active Participant
- Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Member, Board of Directors
- National Academy of Special Needs Planners, Member and Active Participant
Ancillary Businesses
- Financial Planning
- Tax Prep
Professional Associations
- New York State Bar Association, Elder Law section, Financial Planning & Investment Committee, Chair
- Suffolk County Bar Association, Member and Active Participant
- Nassau County Bar Association, Member and Active Participant
- The Florida Bar
- Alzheimer’s Association, Board Member
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorney, Board Member
Current Employment Position
- Founder and Lead Attorney
Practice Areas
- Asset Protection & Trusts
- Estate Administration & Probate
- Estate Planning & Elder Law
- Estate Tax & Retirement Income Planning
- Long Term Care Planning & Geriatric Care Management
- Special Needs Planning & Guardianship
Bar Admissions
- New York, 2000
- Florida, 2001