Schenectady Estate Planning Lawyers
Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., is heralded as one of the oldest firms in the state of New York, as well as the United States. While we take great pride in our great heritage of accomplished attorneys and champions of the law, we consider our greatest accomplishment the standard of exceptional legal representation we have provided the families and individuals of Schenectady, New York, for generations. Our commitment to meeting a high standard for our clients is reflected in the firm’s motto – Non ut sibi ministretur sed ut ministret – “Not to be served, but to serve.” Mk, 10:45
Schenectady Estate Planning Attorneys
The firm has withstood the test of time and remains committed to staying relevant and current as Schenectady estate planning attorneys, continuing to best represent our clients as legal climates change and evolve through the years. This is most visible in the passing of our services by clients from generation to generation. Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., remains a cornerstone of trust and stability in the community, and we invite you to allow us to offer that same level of legal service to your family.
Time is merely one test of talent, integrity, knowledge and proper application of the law, but we believe it is a clear indicator of the ability of our firm to stay current and relevant in a constantly changing world.
Firm History
Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., traces its long and storied history to 1837 when firm founder David Cady Smith was admitted to the Bar. In the decades and centuries following, Smith has been succeeded by a long and continuous line of attorneys, judges and other elected officials. Our attorneys have played instrumental roles in the founding and development of Schenectady institutions.
Our firm has had a long-standing relationship with the Schenectady Savings Bank, now, through a series of name changes and mergers, Bank of America. David Cady Smith served as attorney for the bank. He was also a Trustee and eventually President of the bank during the period 1875 to 1904. He was joined in the legal practice by his son, Everett Smith, who, like him, represented the bank and became its President. Everett Smith’s brother, Gerardus Smith, was the President of the Schenectady Bank which merged with and became a part of the Schenectady Trust Company in June of 1902, currently Trustco Bank. Gerardus Smith was also the owner of the Schenectady Gazette, currently The Daily Gazette.
State Senator Edwin Miller became a partner with Everett Smith in the practice of law in 1911. Senator Miller’s family owned the Union Book Company. After Everett Smith died, Senator Miller took Harold R. Beyerl as a partner in 1921. Harold Beyerl named his only child, Edwin J. Beyerl, after Senator Edwin Miller. Edwin Beyerl too, became an attorney and joined the firm in 1956. He retired in 1987.
At the end of World War II, Frank S. Higgins joined the firm, followed in the 1950’s by John Van Etten, James P. Houlihan, Richard E. Roberts and Edwin J. Beyerl. All of them were partners with Harold R. Beyerl. Robert J. Coan joined the firm in 1959 and retired in 2002. James H. Erceg joined the firm in 1964. He retired in 2005 after 41 years with the firm.
The firm name evolved and changed with the passage of time, but there was always a continuity of lawyers working together and providing high quality legal services to Schenectady area clients. Beginning in 1964, except for a relatively brief period the firm name has been Higgins, Roberts, Beyerl & Coan, P.C. This changed in 2012 when the firm became Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C.
During the 1950’s, the firm enlarged the scope of its practice beyond bank and real estate law to include a concentration in estate and trust planning, estate and trust administration and elder law. The firm has since expanded into other areas of law including corporate, not-for-profit, personal injury, taxation, administrative, education, general litigation, insurance, adoption, bankruptcy, foundations, matrimonial and family law.
Several lawyers of distinction in the Capital District have been associated with the firm as partners, associates and clerks. The present Schenectady County Supreme Court Judge, The Honorable Barry D. Kramer, and the present Schenectady County District Attorney, Robert M. Carney are former partners of the law firm.
The men and women of Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., believe that their experience and dedication, combined with the unprecedented history and continuity of the firm, bring a unique excellence to the delivery of legal services.
Ongoing Community Involvement
Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., plays an active role in the community. Our attorneys have served on the boards of many of the area’s most active non-profits, and currently serve on the boards of such organizations as the Schenectady Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, The Union College Annual Business Campaign, the Schenectady Day Nursery, the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York, Living Resources, the Schenectady Community Home and The SI Group.
From our reputation as skilled Albany personal injury attorneys to our knowledgeable services in estate planning and family law, our broad and deeply experienced team seeks to provide you optimal legal representation.
Schenectady, New York, Family Lawyers
As circumstances change in life, you may find yourself needing an attorney to help you legally formalize these transitions. From the dissolution of a marriage to growing a family through adoption, you want a firm that can handle these sensitive areas with skill, discretion and in-depth counsel.
For over 175 years, Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., has been helping people throughout the Capitol Region with all of their family law needs. We pride ourselves on being a general practice firm that people come to for all of their legal needs because of our commitment to our clients, our strong roots in the community and our ability to help you through any situation when life changes and legal action is required.
Our Schenectady, New York, family law attorneys can help with a wide range of issues, including:
Negotiation of prenuptial, postnuptial, cohabitation and separation agreements
Contested and uncontested divorce
Child custody and parenting time agreements
Child support
Spousal maintenance
Settlement of disputes and property division issues involving complex assets such as retirement plans, deferred compensation, commercial real estate, closely held businesses, and professional licenses
Adoption petitions
Modifications and enforcement of orders
Experienced Divorce and Spousal Support Law Firm Serving New York’s Capital Region
We know that no two situations are alike, which is why we take the time to listen to our clients, learn about their situation and then come up with creative solutions that will accomplish their goals. Whether we can resolve your matter through simple negotiation and paperwork, or arbitration, mediation or litigation is needed, we are prepared to resolve your matter in the most appropriate forum.
Our large, veteran staff and lawyers bring a diverse background of skills and experience, which helps us relate to our clients. Our understanding of New York state law and commitment to providing excellent legal services for whatever life brings, both expected and unexpected, sets us apart.
Attorneys
At Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., our attorneys are committed to carrying on the tradition that our firm’s founders started when they established the firm in 1837. We believe that our job is to accomplish our clients’ goals and provide guidance to ensure that they make informed decisions. We practice in a broad range of legal areas and are experienced litigators.
Charles J Assini Jr.
Michael E. Basile
Lawrence A. DeAngelus
Richard A. Fuerst
Maura C. Mottolese
Matthew T. Nowak
Amy Herter Robinson
Michael R Suprunowicz
At Higgins, Roberts & Suprunowicz, P.C., we are not here to be served — we are here to serve. We have served generations of clients in Schenectady and will serve generations more.