Trusts And Estates Capabilities

Skelton, Taintor & Abbott helps clients with estate planning services ranging from wills, financial powers of attorney and healthcare powers of attorney to more sophisticated estate planning techniques used to minimize federal and State of Maine estate taxes. We also provide all probate services for estates, guardianships and conservatorships.

Bryan M. Dench and Jill A. Checkoway are the principal attorneys in the estate planning group. They are both members of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and both are rated as "Best Lawyers in America: Trust and Estate Section." With years of experience, Bryan and Jill have met with hundreds of clients over the years and provided careful, thorough and prompt assistance in establishing wills and trusts.

In addition, Bryan and Jill have broad experience in more sophisticated estate planning, including irrevocable life insurance trusts, charitable remainder trusts and private foundations. We can also assist you with the establishment of limited liability companies (LLCs) and other methods to transfer interests in family businesses or real estate to the next generation.

Jill Checkoway is primarily responsible for probate services offered by the firm. Jill can help explain why "probate" in Maine is not something to be feared and is handled through the informal system Maine law offers. She'll explain the steps to transfer estate assets, help you with filing any necessary probate and tax forms and make sure the beneficiaries of any estate receive all required information.

The probate department also provides legal advice with guardianships, conservatorships and adoptions.

Finally, the probate department at Skelton, Taintor & Abbott knows that its clients are going through difficult times with the death of a family member or close friend. We focus on making the legal issues the least burdensome part of your loss.