His practice is concentrated in Trusts & Estates, including estate and tax planning for foreign citizens, non-traditional and second families, persons with disabilities, and other complex planning issues. Mr. Hinchcliff represents executors and trustees in connection with estate administration, including complex post-mortem tax and financial planning issues, estate tax returns and audits, and probate and trust proceedings, including accountings.
Mr. Hinchcliff also handles civil litigation matters, with a particular focus on Surrogates' Court cases, including Will contests and contested accountings. Recent reported decisions in cases handled by Mr. Hinchcliff include Hart v. Village of Trumansburg, 41 A.D.2d 1025 (3d Dep't 2007); Miller v. Powers, 30 A.D.3d 1060 (4th Dep't 2006); and Markan v. Plane's Cayuga Vineyard, 24 A.D.3d 1264 (4th Dep't 2005). He has successfully tried a contested accounting on behalf of the Executors of the Eaton Estate in Surrogate's Court, Cortland County (see http://www.cortlandstandard.net/articles/01082008n.html), and represented the Objectant in a successful challenge to a trust accounting in Matter of Keane, Surrogates' Court, Tompkins County (trial date 8/20/08).
Mr. Hinchcliff has been active in the community, having served on several not-for-profit boards, Bar Association and Estate Planning Council Committees, and providing pro bono legal services.