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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...

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,...

Estate planning may not seem like a Halloween horror story, but ignoring the essentials can haunt you later. Working effectively with your attorney is key to keeping the skeletons out of your financial closet and protecting your loved ones. Here are some frightening mistakes you should avoid when working with...

We all want the best for our grandkids. Americans are often in a better financial position later in life to help our youth finance their education. Wouldn’t it be amazing to send the grandkids off to college with a suitcase full of cash? However, most of us need to take...

The short definition of probate is: “Probate is the court action that changes the title of assets from a deceased person to the beneficiaries or heirs.” Whether or not someone leaves a will, probate is often necessary. It is a common misconception that creating a will, or holding assets jointly,...

Do you need a will, or do you need a trust? Confused about the difference? The major difference is probate - which is the court process that applies to a person’s estate whether they leave a will or not. When it comes to estate planning, understanding the difference between probate...

A living trust is a common estate planning tool. When creating your trust, one of the most important choices you'll make is who will serve as your trustee. In most cases, at the time you create your living trust, you will be your own trustee for as long as you...

Let’s face it. New England winters are harsh! As the chill of winter sets in, many Rhode Islanders migrate to warmer climates, spending the warm months up north, and the cold ones down south. We refer to them as “Snowbirds.” A Snowbird is somebody who leaves their colder, full-time residence...