We educate and counsel individuals and families regarding their estate plans, asset protection concerns, probate questions and issues of trust or estate administration. We facilitate family meetings and family retreats to promote the preservation of legacy, wealth and wisdom from one generation to the next.
After practicing at large national firms and smaller local firms, I established my law firm when a former client called asking to work with me on an individual basis stating that it was my approach as an educator and counselor at law that left her feeling empowered as she struggled to manage a complicated estate matter. My success of my practice is the result of word of mouth recommendations from current or former clients.
Couples who have moved to their second home on the Cape on either a part-time or full-time basis often continue to work or consult professionally off-Cape. Typically these couples or individuals are retirement age and their estate plan documents were first created over 20 to 30 years ago when they had young children. At this point in time, these individuals often have assets at a level that would expose them to Massachusetts estate tax, so I prepare updated wills and revocable living trusts to take advantage of the available tax exemptions.
Main
210 Main Street P.O. Box 1003
Orleans
MA
02653
$300 fee for 1.5 hour consultation. If you retain my firm, then the fee is applied to the total legal services bill.
Yes. For estate planning matters, I charge a flat fee to create or update an existing plan that includes a Will, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, HIPPA Authorization for Release of Medical Information, Living Will and Recorded Legacy Conversation. The cost for individuals ranges from $800 to $1,200. The cost for married couples ranges from $900 to $1,500. If the plan will include a revocable trust in addition to the documents listed above, then the cost for an individual ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 and the cost for a married couple ranges from $3,000 to $4,000. For most other matters, including coaching regarding family wealth matters, I charge an hourly fee. I offer courtesy discounts to clients who were referred by a former client or the Nolo website.
$265.00
By appointment.
No
My own family experience inheriting legacy, wealth and wisdom led me to seek out this practice area. In addition, my profound respect for the generations that came before me, forging a path and setting a standard, influenced my decision to enter a practice area where I can problem solve with and for families, as well as stand witness to their life experiences. Finally, my respect for human growth and development during our entire lifespan, not just infancy or adolescence, leads me to embrace a practice that confronts the challenge of end-of-life conversations and offers an opportunity to promote individual growth even in our final days.
I welcome clients who have taken some time to educate themselves regarding estate planning and probate issues. I believe a well educated client is an empowered client and my role as a Counselor At Law is to educate my client regarding the options available based on their individual circumstances, as well as to review the pros and cons of the different options.
I am willing to review documents prepared by clients, so long as I have information regarding where the client obtained any templates or forms used to create their documents.
In this area of practice, once a client has an estate plan set-up, they often require coaching as certain life events arise, so coaching is already a natural extension of my practice. I do not litigate estate planning or probate matters, so I am not available to advise clients in such matters.
After graduating from law school, I practiced in large firms in the D.C. Metro area where I received a sophisticated level of training and experience. After relocating to my hometown of Orleans, Massachusetts, I received training and experience with Massachusetts estate planning laws and practice in small local firms.
Prior to law school, I was an educator, researcher and consultant in alternative educational settings. In particular, I worked at Harvard Graduate School of Education, assisting Howard Gardner, David Perkins and other leading psychologists in the development of curriculum and critical thinking frameworks.
Between my education career and law school, I spent a year out west where I worked on a 25,000 acre cattle ranch in Southeastern Montana.
As a Counselor At Law, I listen. My pursuit of professional education and training to refine my communication, counseling and coaching skills makes me a better advocate for each client's individual circumstances. I am a firm believer that in estate planning, in particular, the legal documents are only as good as the communication you have with your family about your wishes for everything from end-of-life care to the distribution of your Hummel collection. My background as an educator and my skills as a facilitator contribute to my effectiveness in guiding family meetings and family retreats.
As mentioned in the previous questions, my strengths include problem solving and strategic planning. As a Counselor At Law, my approach with clients is collaborative and my goal is to listen and educate clients regarding the options available given their circumstances.
Personal interests:Creative writing. Visiting new playgrounds or community parks. Walks on the beach or a simple game of fetch with our dog, Ginger. Movies. Books. Poetry.
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