Practice Areas

Elder Law - includes a wide array of services for the elderly and their families or caregivers. Attorney Cerato assists with the preparation of Wills, Advance Health Care Directives (Living Wills), Powers of Attorney, and other documents required for efficient Estate Planning. Medicare appeals, Medicaid applications and appeals, long term care planning, asset protection planning and guardianships of incapacitated persons are also included in Attorney Cerato's practice.

A consultation with an elder law attorney can alleviate many fears and provide a great deal of information to the client, making difficult choices a little easier and opening the door for communication among family members. Attorney Cerato authors a monthly column on elder law issues published the first Wednesday of every month in The Pocono Record's Dignity Section. If you would like to receive an Estate Planning Packet from Attorney Cerato, please email, write or telephone our office.

Estate Administration - When a loved one dies, there are particular responsibilities for the Executor or Administrator of the Estate. Attorney Cerato can prepare the Petition for Grant of Letters and escort the Executor or Administrator to the Register of Wills Office for the swearing of the oath and the granting of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Attorney Cerato's office is conveniently located just one block from the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg, making the initial administration procedure easy and timesaving for the client. Thoughtful representation continues through the administration process including preparation of the Pennsylvania Inheritance tax return, Inventory, Family Settlement Agreement or Accounting to finalize probate or administration.

Real Estate - Whether buying, selling or building a home, Attorney Cerato can provide full real estate closing services, from preparing or reviewing the Agreement of Sale through settlement. Attorney Cerato is a licensed agent for Lawyers Title Insurance Company, a full-service title insurance provider.

For additional information on title insurance coverage, and real estate transaction services, contact Attorney Cerato.

Civil Litigation - Attorney Cerato represents clients throughout all phases of litigation from negotiating claims following an injury or property loss to initiating or defending a lawsuit. In addition to being a trial attorney, Attorney Cerato is an experienced appellate attorney advocating for clients before the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts, United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Fees - Clients generally are concerned about the costs of legal services. Some matters can be handled on a contingency basis - that is, there will be no fee to the client unless there is a recovery. Some matters allow a recovery for attorney fees on top of other sums that might be due; others are handled on a straight hourly basis, or on a retainer basis with fees collected in advance, and unused monies refunded at the end of the representation. All client needs are carefully considered with each matter.

Generally matters will have a written fee agreement spelling out all of the terms and conditions of representation. Please contact my office to discuss your needs and the terms that are available.