John M. Chakan Esq.

John M. Chakan, Esq., received his J.D. degree in 1972 from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was Cases and Notes Editor for the Georgetown University Law Journal. Mr. Chakan was admitted to practice law in New York (1973). He is also admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court.

From 1972 through 1992, Mr. Chakan was associated with a series of large, New York City-based law firms, including Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (1972-75), Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle (1976-81) and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy (1985-92). Prior to joining KGG, Mr. Chakan had an independent practice based in Westchester County.

Mr. Chakan's practice is focused in the areas of Real Estate, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Estate Planning, Tax, Elder Law and related matters. He is well versed in the techniques for estate tax minimization, including effective use of life insurance trusts and testamentary trusts to take advantage of the marital deduction, the charitable deduction and available tax credits. He has advised numerous clients with regard to Medicaid qualification strategies, supplemental needs trusts for mentally handicapped individuals, guardianship proceedings and pre-marital agreements. Mr. Chakan has significant litigation experience in Surrogate's Court, including probate contests, construction proceedings, and objections to accountings, and in the federal Tax Court. Mr. Chakan also regularly handles real estate matters ranging from residential house closings to complex commercial transactions and related financing.

Mr. Chakan has conducted seminars and lectures at civic organizations in and around the metropolitan New York area. He is a former member of the Ethics Committee for the Village of Port Chester and has volunteered his time as Cub Master for the local Cub Scout pack.