Practice Areas

Estate Planning

My estate planning clients are a diverse group, one that includes people with property interests of considerable value and complexity, young couples attending to estate planning for the first time, and everyone in between. In all cases, I take a comprehensive view of the planning process as I craft a sophisticated, durable, and value-conscious estate plan that provides appropriately for loved ones.

For those clients whose circumstances require more involved planning approaches, I happily tender the expertise, creativity, and good judgment necessary to address those circumstances. My aim is to help clients balance the often-competing goals of providing for the appropriate passing of property while minimizing adverse tax and other legal consequences. A related aim in all cases is to promote my clients’ understanding of their estate plans and the legal principles brought to bear upon them.

My services include the preparation of wills, all manner of trusts (including revocable, irrevocable, charitable, and life insurance trusts), family LLCs and partnerships, business succession planning, gifting strategies, charitable planning, powers of attorney, health care directives, along with planning for beneficiaries with extraordinary needs, guardianships and adoptions.

Probate, Administration of Estates & Trusts; Contested Matters

In addition to planning for the appropriate disposition of property, I also regularly provide counsel with respect to probate and the administration of estates and trusts. With respect to decedents’ estates, my usual role is to advise and support personal representatives (also commonly known as “executors”) in estate settlement. Carrying out the dispositive plan set forth in a will or trust instrument typically involves navigating the probate process and attending to various Maine and federal tax filings, while addressing other legal issues that may arise. I offer comprehensive representation across all fronts. I also represent trustees and beneficiaries during the lifespan of various kinds of trusts, providing ongoing tax and accounting support and advising clients with respect to fiduciary responsibilities and the rights of beneficiaries.

I do serve as trustees and personal representatives myself when appropriate.
In these roles I am happy to work alongside family members or corporate fiduciaries or serve independently.

Sometimes my work calls upon me to represent parties in contested matters in Maine’s probate and superior courts. These cases might include trust reformation proceedings, contested guardianship and conservatorship matters, and will contests, among others. In these areas, I provide intelligent and vigorous representation with the aim of resolving these matters sensibly and expeditiously. In all of these matters, I am committed to providing service that is responsive and cost-effective.

Family Camp Planning

Regardless of whether you call it a “camp,” “cabin,” or “compound,” family properties are a cherished part of many families’ estates. I routinely counsel clients about the unique challenges and opportunities that these properties present when they are passed to subsequent generations. Many clients will elect to establish a “camp trust” to provide rules for ownership, expense-sharing, management and capital improvement decisions, and a host of related issues.

Given the rise in popularity of Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental opportunities, I also provide counsel on establishing family partnerships or LLCs, ensuring proper liability and rental insurance coverage, and compliance with state and municipal laws governing rental properties.

Elder Law

I counsel clients in preparing for and addressing incapacity and disability. Depending on the client’s individual circumstances, I give guidance regarding the use of durable financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and various trusts, as well as asset protection strategies to help mitigate the various risks and challenges presented by the costs of long-term care.

I also provide guidance on guardianship and conservatorship of loved ones who are no longer able to manage their own affairs.