main content

Harris Beach PLLC Discover True Engagement image

People

About
  • About Harris Beach
  • Offices
  • Inclusion and Diversity
  • Community and Pro Bono
  • Lateral Opportunities
Careers
  • Careers at Harris Beach
  • Lateral Opportunities

Contact Us

Subsidiaries
  • HB Cornerstone
  • HB Solutions
  • Caetra.io
Industries
Legal Practices
Resources
Automotive and Vehicle Dealerships
Blockchain and Digital Assets
Cannabis
Construction and Surety
Education, K-12
EMS and Fire Protection Providers
Energy
Energy Industry Team
Sectors
Residential Electrical Submetering
Renewable Energy
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
Food and Beverage
Food and Beverage Industry Team
Sectors
Nutritional Supplements
Health Care
Health Care Industry Team
Sectors
Long-Term Care
Higher Education
Industrial and Consumer Manufacturing
Medical and Life Sciences
Medical and Life Sciences Industry Team
Sectors
Long-Term Care
Nutritional Supplements
Pharmacy Law
Municipalities and Local Agencies
Nanotechnology
Photonics
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers
Real Estate Developers Industry Team
Sectors
Retail Real Estate in New York State
Science and Technology
Telecommunications and Media
Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Drones
Veterinary Medicine
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Appellate
  • Business and Commercial Litigation
  • Collections
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Corporate
  • Cybersecurity Protection and Response
  • Diversity Compliance
  • E-Discovery (e-info℠)
  • Employee Benefits
  • Environmental
  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
  • Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
  • Foreclosure
  • Government Compliance and Investigations
  • Immigration
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Intellectual Property
  • International Trade
  • Internet Commerce
  • Labor and Employment
  • Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation
  • Political Law
  • Product Liability and Comprehensive General Liability
  • Public Finance and Economic Development
  • Residential Real Estate
  • Tax
  • Wills, Trusts and Estates
  • Insights
  • News
  • Events
  • Covid-19 Resources
Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner
D: (716) 200-5157  
jwagner@harrisbeach.com
Linkedin

Judy N. Wagner

  Member

(716) 200-5157
  jwagner@harrisbeach.com
Linkedin
“My biggest compliment is when clients say ‘I feel so much better now’ after we meet. Wealth planning, whatever the level of wealth, is about families. It is about care and compassion of my client for themselves, their spouse, children and grandchildren. It is about trust and confidence in your advisor to help address your needs and help you reach your goals.”
  • Join Us to Explore Trusts as Retirement and Estate Planning Tool
Profile
Representative Matters
Professional and Civic
Areas of Experience
Admissions
Education
Location
Publications and Events

Judy counsels individuals and families on wealth planning that includes appreciation of current and future financial and personal needs. She works with clients designing plans to preserve, protect and transfer individual or business assets to future generations. As an estate planning lawyer, Judy recognizes that estate planning is most effective when done in advance of a crisis, but that life is often unpredictable. Whatever the timing, anticipation of a client and their family’s needs is a crucial component to effective estate planning and Judy applies this philosophy as an estate attorney.

Judy has extensive legal experience with the most effective tools for the transfer of assets such as wills and trusts, including asset protection trusts, irrevocable and revocable trusts, and pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements. She develops and incorporates effective planning strategies to minimize tax liability using credit shelter trusts, qualified terminable interest property trusts (QTIP) and irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs). Judy also has considerable experience as the lead attorney in handling the administration of estates and trusts.

She frequently works with clients on the care, well-being and legal issues that affect older Americans and individuals with disabilities, and uses this experience to inform her elder care law practice. She assists clients with Medicaid planning, long-term care planning and wealth preservation, developing effective plans to assure her clients receive the best care, and where possible, implement asset protection and crisis planning techniques. Judy’s legal counseling for clients includes planning for disability through the use of powers of attorney, living wills and health care proxies, guardianships, and the drafting and administration of supplemental needs and other types of trusts. Judy also serves as attorney counsel to business clients and advises on creating efficient approaches for succession planning and how to transition closely held businesses to the next generation or key employees.

Professional and Civic

  • Alzheimer’s Association, Volunteer, Certified Community Educator
  • Center for Elder Law & Justice, volunteer
  • Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, appointed to serve on the Professional Advisor Council
  • Erie County Bar Association, member, Elder Law and Surrogate Court Practice and Procedure Committees
  • Hearts and Hands, Board of Directors
  • New York State Bar Association, member, Elder Law and Estates and Trusts Sections
  • Network in Aging, member
  • New York State Department of Financial Services, approved Continuing Education Instructor, under the sponsorship by the Financial Planning Association of Western New York.

Recognition

  • Women in the Law, Top Peer Nominated Lawyers, 2016
  • Best Lawyers, Trusts and Estates since 2013
  • Buffalo’s Who’s Who in Law by Business First and Buffalo Law Journal, 2012

Legal Practices

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Admissions

New York

State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law

JD 
2001

State University of New York at Buffalo

BA 
1998

Location

Buffalo, NY Office
Insights
September 2, 2022

Harris Beach Attorney to Discuss Estate Planning in National AARP Webinar Series

Harris Beach Attorney Judy N. Cuzzacrea Wagner will discuss Estate Planning Sept. 6 at a free virtual event hosted by AARP New York.
July 26, 2022

Join Us to Explore Trusts as Retirement and Estate Planning Tool

As you count down the days to retirement, you may not be dwelling on family dilemmas or life’s difficult “what ifs.” But having strategies t
May 4, 2022

Welcome to our Wills, Trusts and Estates Blog

Welcome to the Harris Beach Wills, Trusts and Estates blog! Our team of trusted attorneys will use this blog to share vital information abou
January 5, 2021

Governor Signs Amendment to New York Power of Attorney Statutory Form

On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law a comprehensive amendment to General Obligations Law §§ 15-1501, et seq., the statute s
May 8, 2020

How to Return Economic Impact Payments Sent to Deceased Taxpayers

There have been many reports of deceased taxpayers receiving Federal Economic Impact Payments (“stimulus checks.”)  In a rush to get payment
December 4, 2018

New VA Pension Rules Provide for 36-Month “Lookback” Period

On September 18, 2018 the VA published a new comprehensive set of rules amending 38 CFR Part 3. The new rules address issues of net worth, a
News
December 16, 2021

Harris Beach Expands Statewide Wills, Trusts and Estates Practice with New Attorneys

Attorneys Brendan Ewing, Christina Suits and Ryan Belanger have joined the growing Harris Beach Wills, Trusts and Estates team, focused on a
Events
January 24, 2023

Judy Wagner Discusses Legal and Financial Planning with Alzheimer’s Association

October 18, 2022

Judy Wagner Speaking at “A Day with the Alzheimer’s Association” Event

Judy Wagner will be speaking on October 18th about legal planning at “A Day with the Alzheimer’s Association” Event
September 27, 2022

Judy Wagner Presenting on Retirement Planning for Turbulent Times

Judy Wagner will present a webinar on “Saving for Retirement in Turbulent Times” in partnership with AARP on October 18.
September 27, 2022

Judy Wagner Presenting on Preparing for Caregiving

Judy Wagner will present a webinar on “Preparing for Caregiving in Turbulent Times” in partnership with AARP on October 11.
September 27, 2022

Judy Wagner Presenting on Estate Planning: Understand and Simplify the End of Life

Judy Wagner will present a webinar on “Estate Planning: Understand and Simplify the End of Life” in partnership with AARP on October 4.
September 14, 2022

Judy Wagner to Present Estate Planning Webinar Series with AARP

Judy Wagner will present a series of webinars in partnership with AARP to attendees from across the U.S. on different estate planning topics
August 5, 2022

Judy Wagner Presenting Webinar During the Erie County Senior Services and Center for Elder Law & Justice 2022 Virtual Elder Law Day Summer Series

Judy Wagner will present a webinar on the topics of Estate, Long Term Care Planning and Asset Protection during the Erie County Senior Servi
July 25, 2022

Judy Wagner to Present Webinar on Creating Trusts as a Retirement and Estate Planning Tool with Level Financial Advisors

Join Level Financial Advisors and Judy N. Cuzzacrea Wagner, partner at Harris Beach PLLC for this free, on-line educational session discussi
June 28, 2022

Judy Wagner to Present Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia Program in Partnership with Alzheimer’s Association

Join the Alzheimer’s Association for information on legal and financial planning to consider after a dementia diagnosis and what factors to
April 22, 2022

Judy Wagner to Present Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia Program in Partnership with Alzheimer’s Association

Join the Alzheimer’s Association for information on legal and financial planning to consider after a dementia diagnosis and what factors to
April 11, 2022

Judy Wagner to Present Opening Remarks at Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York Caregiver Brunch and Learn

Judy Wagner will present opening remarks at the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York’s Caregiver Brunch and Learn program on Saturday
November 19, 2021

Jeff Weiss and Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner Presenting at Erie County Association of School Boards Eats and Education Seminar

Jeff Weiss and Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner will present at the first Eats and Education Seminar, hosted by the Erie County Association of School B
April 1, 2021

Judy Wagner Presenting on Succession Planning at Buffalo Niagara National Association of Women Business Owners Monthly Meeting

Judy Wagner will present at a NAWBO Monthly Meeting on Strategic Decisions in Succession Planning on April 14. A description of the Buffalo
November 12, 2020

Judy Wagner Presenting Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning and Asset Preservation Webinars

Judy will present two webinars as part of a series being held by a group of organizations in Western New York. A detailed description from t
October 23, 2020

Harris Beach Sponsoring Western New York Alzheimer’s Association Black/African American Dementia Conference Series

Harris Beach will sponsor the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association hosted series focusing on Black/African American Dementia. A more i
September 11, 2020

Judy Wagner Presenting University at Buffalo Estate and Long Term Care Planning Virtual Workshop Series

Judy will present a series of Long Term Care Planning Virtual Workshops in partnership with the University at Buffalo. The sessions will foc
August 26, 2020

Judy Wagner to Present During Merrill Lynch Virtual Legacy Planning Event

Judy Wagner will present on Estate Planning Documents during a Virtual Legacy Planning Event webinar hosted by Merrill Lynch.
May 1, 2020

Harris Beach Holds COVID-19 Office Hours For Employers

To stay ahead of the latest pandemic developments, join our complimentary virtual office hours – flash sessions where Harris Beach attorneys
January 3, 2020

Harris Beach Sponsoring Western New York JDRF Journey to a Cure 20th Anniversary Gala

Harris Beach’s Melanie Marotto, Sharon Schwartz, Pietra Zaffram, Judy Wagner and George Brown have sponsored and will attend the Western New
November 6, 2019

Harris Beach Sponsoring 39th Network in Aging of Western New York Annual Meeting

The Network in Aging of Western New York will hold their 39th Annual Meeting on November 7. The theme of this year’s event is “Embrace Your
October 23, 2019

Judy Wagner to Present Medicaid and Long Term Planning Series at University of Buffalo

Judy will present on Medicaid and Long Term Care Planning and an Introduction to Retirement Planning to staff at the University of Buffalo d
October 23, 2019

Harris Beach Sponsoring Dementia Care Symposium

Harris Beach will sponsor the Dementia Care Symposium hosted by the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  Teepa Snow, a nationally re
October 23, 2019

Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner Presenting to Financial Planning Association of WNY

Judy Wagner will present at the Amherst Senior Center on June 13 as part of a Financial Planning of WNY event.
October 23, 2019

Judy Wagner Presenting to St. Francis Park/Catholic Health

Judy Wagner will speak to St. Francis Park/Catholic Health on estate and long term care planning.
October 23, 2019

Judy Wagner Speaking at Living Well With Dementia Conference

Judy will be presenting at the Living Well With Dementia Conference hosted by the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association on August 24. H
September 12, 2019

Judy Wagner Presenting to Financial Planning Counselors of Western New York on Estate Planning

Judy will present on estate planning, long term care and elder care law at a Financial Planning Counselors of Western New York meeting on Se
April 15, 2019

Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner Presented a Continuing Education Program to the Financial Planning Association of WNY

Judy Wagner presented continuing education program to the Financial Planning Association of WNY on estate and long term care planning on Apr
April 11, 2019

Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner Presenting At Elder Law Day for Center for Elder Law and Justice

Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner will present “An Essential Conversation – Estate and Long Term Care Planning” at this year’s Elder Law Day on June 6.
External Publications

Speaker: Estate Planning as the Retirement Years Approach (Erie County Association of School Boards Eats and Education Seminar, November 2021)

Speaker: Estate and Long Term Planning (Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, May 2019)

Speaker: Living Wills, Health Care Proxies and NYS MOLST (Buffalo VA, November 2018)

Speaker: The Ins and Outs of Estate and Long Term Care Planning (Center for Elder Care Law & Justice, June 2018)

Speaker: Dementia Care Symposium (Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, April 2018)

Speaker: Speaks frequently to community and professional groups, as well as educational programs for attorneys and financial professionals on estate planning, Medicaid and long-term care planning

All Insights, All Blogs, Wills, Trusts & Estates Blog |
 September 2, 2022
Harris Beach Attorney to Discuss Estate Planning in National AARP Webinar Series
Harris Beach Attorney Judy N. Cuzzacrea Wagner will discuss Estate Planning Sept. 6 at a free virtual event hosted by AARP New York....read more
All Blogs, All Insights, Wills, Trusts & Estates Blog |
 July 26, 2022
Join Us to Explore Trusts as Retirement and Estate Planning Tool
As you count down the days to retirement, you may not be dwelling on family dilemmas or life’s difficult “what ifs.” But having strategies t...read more
All Blogs, All Insights, Wills, Trusts & Estates Blog |
 May 4, 2022
Welcome to our Wills, Trusts and Estates Blog
Welcome to the Harris Beach Wills, Trusts and Estates blog! Our team of trusted attorneys will use this blog to share vital information abou...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 January 5, 2021
Governor Signs Amendment to New York Power of Attorney Statutory Form
On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law a comprehensive amendment to General Obligations Law §§ 15-1501, et seq., the statute s...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Covid-19, Legal Alert |
 May 8, 2020
How to Return Economic Impact Payments Sent to Deceased Taxpayers
There have been many reports of deceased taxpayers receiving Federal Economic Impact Payments (“stimulus checks.”)  In a rush to get payment...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 December 4, 2018
New VA Pension Rules Provide for 36-Month “Lookback” Period
On September 18, 2018 the VA published a new comprehensive set of rules amending 38 CFR Part 3. The new rules address issues of net worth, a...read more
Harris Beach PLLC, Attorneys at Law, Discover True Engagement

Contact us

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Site Map

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
© 2023 Harris Beach PLLC

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Make a Payment
MAke a Payment
TRUSTe
Harris Beach PLLC Discover True Engagement image

Judy N. Wagner

jwagner@harrisbeach.com
D: (716) 200-5157
Buffalo, NY Office
Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner
https://www.harrisbeach.com/people/wagner-judy-c/

■ Areas of Expertise

Legal Practices

Wills, Trusts and Estates Legal Practice

■ Profile

Judy counsels individuals and families on wealth planning that includes appreciation of current and future financial and personal needs. She works with clients designing plans to preserve, protect and transfer individual or business assets to future generations. As an estate planning lawyer, Judy recognizes that estate planning is most effective when done in advance of a crisis, but that life is often unpredictable. Whatever the timing, anticipation of a client and their family’s needs is a crucial component to effective estate planning and Judy applies this philosophy as an estate attorney.

Judy has extensive legal experience with the most effective tools for the transfer of assets such as wills and trusts, including asset protection trusts, irrevocable and revocable trusts, and pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements. She develops and incorporates effective planning strategies to minimize tax liability using credit shelter trusts, qualified terminable interest property trusts (QTIP) and irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs). Judy also has considerable experience as the lead attorney in handling the administration of estates and trusts.

She frequently works with clients on the care, well-being and legal issues that affect older Americans and individuals with disabilities, and uses this experience to inform her elder care law practice. She assists clients with Medicaid planning, long-term care planning and wealth preservation, developing effective plans to assure her clients receive the best care, and where possible, implement asset protection and crisis planning techniques. Judy’s legal counseling for clients includes planning for disability through the use of powers of attorney, living wills and health care proxies, guardianships, and the drafting and administration of supplemental needs and other types of trusts. Judy also serves as attorney counsel to business clients and advises on creating efficient approaches for succession planning and how to transition closely held businesses to the next generation or key employees.

■ Professional and Civic

  • Alzheimer’s Association, Volunteer, Certified Community Educator
  • Center for Elder Law & Justice, volunteer
  • Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, appointed to serve on the Professional Advisor Council
  • Erie County Bar Association, member, Elder Law and Surrogate Court Practice and Procedure Committees
  • Hearts and Hands, Board of Directors
  • New York State Bar Association, member, Elder Law and Estates and Trusts Sections
  • Network in Aging, member
  • New York State Department of Financial Services, approved Continuing Education Instructor, under the sponsorship by the Financial Planning Association of Western New York.

■ Admissions

  • Women in the Law, Top Peer Nominated Lawyers, 2016
  • Best Lawyers, Trusts and Estates since 2013
  • Buffalo’s Who’s Who in Law by Business First and Buffalo Law Journal, 2012

■ Education

State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
 ,JD
 ,2001
State University of New York at Buffalo
 ,BA
 ,1998

Harris Beach and its subsidiaries provide a full range of legal and professional services for clients across New York state, as well as nationally and internationally. Harris Beach is among the country’s top law firms as ranked by The National Law Journal and is among the BTI Elite law firms based on in-depth interviews of more than 600 corporate counsel at the world’s largest and most influential companies. Our clients include Fortune 100 corporations, privately-held companies, emerging businesses, public sector entities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals. Principal industries we represent include education, energy, financial, food and beverage, health care, insurance, manufacturing, medical and life sciences, real estate developers, and state and local governments and authorities.

Industry Teams
Automotive and Vehicle Dealerships
Blockchain and Digital Assets 
Cannabis
Construction and Surety
Educational Institutions Higher Ed
Educational Institutions K-12
EMS and Fire Protection Providers
Energy
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
Food and Beverage
Health Care
Industrial and Consumer Manufacturing
Medical and Life Sciences
Municipalities and Local Agencies
Nanotechnology
Photonics
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers
Science and Technology
Telecommunications and Media
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
USA Collegiate Sports
Veterinary Medicine

Practices
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Appellate
Business and Commercial Litigation
Collection Law
Commercial Real Estate
Corporate
Cybersecurity Protection and Response
Diversity Compliance
E-Discovery (e-infoSM)
Employee Benefits
Employment Litigation
Environmental Law
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
Government Compliance and Investigations
Health Law
Immigration Law
Insurance Coverage
Intellectual Property Law
International Trade Law
Internet Law
Labor and Employment Law
Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation
New Markets Tax Credit
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law
Product Liability and Comprehensive General Liability
Public Finance and Economic Development
Real Property Valuation Litigation
Residential Real Estate
Tax Law
White Collar Crime
Wills, Trusts and Estates

Consulting Services
HB Solutions LLC
Collegiate Sports Compliance
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Economic Development and Public Affairs
Educational Institution Assistance
EMRG® (E-Discovery Management Resources Group)
Energy
Health and Human Services
Human Resources
Information Technology
Marketing and Communication Services
Municipal and Local Agency Assistance

HB Cornerstone LLC
Owner Representation
Design Services
Facilities Consulting
Move Management

Caetra.io
CyMetric (Cybersecurity Regulation Compliance Software)

Offices throughout New York:

Albany
677 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
518-427-9700

Buffalo
726 Exchange Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
716-200-5050

Ithaca
119 East Seneca Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-6444

Long Island
333 Earle Ovington Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-880-8484

New York City
100 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
212-687-0100

Rochester
99 Garnsey Road
Pittsford, NY 14534
585-419-8800

Saratoga Springs
513 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-0551

Syracuse
333 West Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-423-7100

White Plains
445 Hamilton Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
914-683-1200

Offices also in:

New Haven, CT
195 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
203-784-3159

Newark, NJ
One Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102
973-848-1244

Washington, DC
800-685-1429

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
© 2022 Harris Beach PLLC

Content current as of March 23, 2023 1:11 pm
Cookies
This website uses cookies as specified in our privacy policy. You consent to the use of cookies by clicking accept or by using our site. We do not sell your personal information.
.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage cookies

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT