Patricia Malley of Burns & Levinson


Patricia Malley of Burns & Levinson

Typically, when couples put together an estate plan, they do so jointly with a single attorney representing both spouses. It is more cost-efficient, allows for open discussion with all parties, and ensures there are no conflicts within the estate plan …

I've Been Asked To Be a Guardian. What Do I Do?


If you are asked to serve as guardian for either an incapacitated adult or a minor, there are several questions you should ask before accepting this fiduciary role. It is critical to understand what you are signing up for before …

My Stepmother Inherited Everything. What Can I Do?


Losing a parent is difficult. Beyond managing your personal and emotional wellbeing, you may need to settle their affairs and handle certain administrative tasks. But what do you do if your parent left everything to their partner – your stepparent …

Dying Without a Will — What’s the Worst that Can Happen?


It is very difficult for many of us to acknowledge that death is, eventually, a certainty for all of us. It’s a topic we’d like to avoid altogether, and it’s something we often avoid planning for because to plan for …

How Appointing a Power of Attorney Can Benefit Your Life


In general, estate planning benefits not only the principal’s life, but also the lives of their family members and agents. Prior planning includes wills, trusts, health care proxies, advanced health care directives and durable powers of attorney provide direction, guidelines, …

Avoiding Probate Litigation: An Attorney’s Top 5 Tips


The most basic and streamlined approach to avoiding probate litigation is planning ahead. Plans may include full, comprehensive estate plans, simple transfers of real estate, the implementation of protective measures or naming agents in the event of incapacity. Individuals with …

Managing Your Favorites in Your Estate Plan


When it comes to creating your estate plan, how do you decide who to name as fiduciaries? How do you determine how to dispose of assets when you have favorite relatives? These are common issues that typically arise in situations …