Some people hear the term “estate plan” and assume it is reserved for the ultra wealthy.  I assure you, that is not the case! Anyone over the age of 18 should consider making an estate plan. Your “estate” simply refers to your possessions - the money in your bank account,...

Adults who are no longer able to handle their finances or make healthcare decisions for themselves are set up for “living probate,” which refers to a guardianship or conservatorship. In simpler terms, you want to avoid guardianship for the same reason you want to avoid probate. The real situation you...

Planning for a loved one with special needs requires more than just good intentions—it requires thoughtful, strategic action. Leaving assets directly to a special needs beneficiary, even with the best of intentions, can unintentionally jeopardize their eligibility for essential government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). That’s where...

Inheriting real estate can be both a financial opportunity and a potential source of stress—especially when multiple heirs are involved. Deciding whether to keep or sell the property depends on a variety of legal, financial, and emotional factors. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each option, how the...

Estate planning often involves preparing for the unexpected. In Rhode Island, guardianship and conservatorship laws play a critical role in protecting individuals who can no longer make decisions for themselves. Whether due to aging, disability, or incapacity, these legal arrangements ensure that a trusted person can step in to manage...

Rhode Island’s cultural identity is deeply intertwined with its immigrant history, and few places showcase this more vividly than Federal Hill. Located just a short drive from Warwick, Federal Hill stands as a living testament to Italian-American heritage, offering a rich narrative of tradition, resilience, and community. For residents and...

Powers of attorney are a core part of estate planning under Rhode Island law, allowing you to authorize a trusted person to act for you in financial, legal, or medical matters if you cannot act for yourself. What a Power of Attorney Does in Rhode Island A power of attorney...

We all know life can be unpredictable. Estate planning isn’t exactly at the top of most people’s to-do lists, and it’s easy to put off making a will—until time starts running out. This is where deathbed wills come in—wills that are created at the very last moment, often in stressful,...

Wills and trusts the two most common tools used in estate planning to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. While both serve the fundamental purpose of passing on wealth and protecting your loved ones, these documents function in different ways and offer distinct advantages. Understanding the key...

People put off estate planning for many different reasons. Some may not want to think about the inevitable future of getting older and passing away. But for most people, it is just plain old procrastination. When it comes to estate planning, the consequences of procrastination can be severe, potentially leading...

Rhode Island Bar Association standards play a central role in shaping how attorneys approach estate law, ethics, and client protection across the state. Its rules, education requirements, and professional culture help ensure that estate planning attorneys maintain high standards when advising individuals and families on their legacies. Rhode Island Bar...

Understanding the Rhode Island Probate Court system is essential for individuals and families navigating wills, estates, trusts, and guardianship matters. Whether an estate is straightforward or complex, probate courts play a central role in ensuring assets are distributed according to state law and a decedent’s wishes. For residents of Warwick,...

The Newport Mansions are among the most iconic, culturally significant landmarks in Rhode Island. Built during America’s Gilded Age, these expansive estates once served as summer homes for some of the nation’s wealthiest families—including the Vanderbilts and Berwinds. Today, they offer a rare look into architectural history, generational wealth, and...

Brown University has shaped Providence for more than 250 years, leaving a legacy that reaches far beyond its hilltop campus into the city’s economy, culture, and civic life. From its colonial founding to its role as a modern anchor institution, the university and the city have grown up together in...

Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island, stands out as an expansive urban oasis where history, nature, and community life intersect, making it one of New England’s most significant cultural landmarks. Spanning more than 400 acres of water, woodlands, gardens, and cultural institutions, the park functions as both a daily...

The Rhode Island Uniform Probate Code (RI UPC) plays a vital role in how estates are administered after someone passes away. Whether you are a grieving family member, an executor of a will, or someone planning your estate, understanding this legal framework is essential. In this article, we’ll walk you...

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones. Yet, far too often, people delay creating or updating their estate plans until they are well into their later years. While it’s never too late to plan, waiting...

When creating an estate plan, many clients ask whether transferring their property to their children while they’re still alive is a smart decision. The answer is “it depends.” Making this transfer can have lasting impacts—both positive and negative—on family dynamics, finances, and estate planning. So, without further ado, let’s dive...

Nursing homes are really expensive and it is no wonder people are terrified about how to pay for long term care. The fear is not misplaced. The average nursing home will cost you about $10,000 per month. The average nursing home stay is 18 months. For the majority of Americans,...