The Law Office of Theresa L. McConville provides experienced estate planning strategies to individuals and families looking to secure their financial futures. We care about our clients and take a personal interest in meeting their needs.

With more than 31 years of legal experience, and substantial background in estate planning, probate and trust administration, we can guide you through the process of developing a plan to meet your goals and avoid unintended outcomes.

Estate Planning is a process. It is important to learn not only the facts about the financial worth of the client, but also the dynamics of their family. The object of the initial consultation is to obtain an insight into the lives of the clients.
 
Some clients inquire about the price of a Simple Will, but how many clients in today’s society actual live simple lives. Very often the client’s lives are complicated by being a part of a blended family. The term is now used to describe the combinations of siblings, half-siblings, and step-siblings - often multi-generational.
 
Our office handles Estate Planning, including Wills and Trusts, and Decedent Administrations, including Trust Administrations and Probates; Conservatorships and Special Needs Trusts. ?
The focus of our practice is to understand the family dynamics, and complexities in each case, which will allow us to prepare the most appropriate documents to transfer the assets to their loved ones. The selection of the Executor, Trustee, Guardians and Agent for Health Care decisions is of vital importance to a smooth transition of the assets and family responsibilities.
 
Of equal importance is the preparation of documents to handle legal issues in the event of incompetency. The Advanced Health Care Directive and Power of Attorney for Financial Management, are necessary tools to avoid conservatorships. In instances of brain injury, dementia or Alzheimers, the existence of these documents, executed prior to the onset of the disability, gives the family, or appointed agent, the opportunity to provide care and support for the person afflicted, without the necessity of a cumbersome and financially draining court process.
 
At the same time the shape of the modern American family has changed, so also have we found an increase in the number of cases of estrangement and separation between family members. It is necessary for the clients to have open dialogue with their attorney. For that to happen, there must be a level of comfort and trust. We provide an atmosphere of concern and understanding, along with professional competence.
 
Today, many families are in financial crisis and it is not uncommon for one or more of the adult children to reside again with their parents. This can be a benefit or a burden, but it needs to be considered in terms of responsibilities each generation has for the other.
 
In addition to basic estate planning and decedent administration, our areas of specialty include estate planning for the blended family and the establishment of Special Needs Trusts.  It is often the case that a child, or grandchild, has been diagnosed with Autism, Bipolar Disorder or a host of other medical conditions which limit the person’s ability to handle their own affairs, or for whom public assistance is providing levels of care. If that person were to receive an inheritance,   it could cause a series of problems, including having their benefits terminated.  A Special Needs Trust allows family to contribute, for the benefit of the disabled person, without the consequences of a loss of benefits and it allows any unspent monies to revert to named beneficiaries in the future.
 
A major part of estate planning is learning about the concerns of the clients, even when the clients cannot clearly state their goals. We have over 31 years of experience in guiding clients through the intricacies of family issues. This experience helps us reduce the client’s level of anxiety, and helps them better understand the process.