The Cost of Neglecting Estate Planning: Don't Let Your Family Pay the Price
Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey has joked that to show you hate your family, "leave unclear instructions and no will." Without knowing your final wishes, those close to you could fight over your estate or wind up paying your end-of-life costs themselves. If your loved ones struggle to manage the probate process, the burden may also affect them physically and emotionally.

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Does a New Will Revoke an Old Will?
If you have a will, you understand the importance of ensuring your final wishes are known ahead of time. But what if you don't update your will? It might not reflect your current life situation. It's best to review your will every three to five years or whenever you experience a major life change. Generally speaking, a new will supersedes an older one; probate laws, however, vary by state. To help prevent confusion and potential disputes, consider how to handle updates to your will.

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Staying Connected While Getting Older
AARP Maine reports that over 135,000 people age 50 and older live alone in the state and are at higher risk of social isolation. Often, these solo agers, “kinless,” or “elderly orphans” are widowed, divorced, never married, or have no children. Black people, women, people with low incomes, and the LGBTQ community are among those most affected. A recent AARP survey showed that people between the ages of 66 and 75 most frequently said they are more lonely now than they were before the pandemic. Contributing factors include experiencing a major illness or the death of loved ones.

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A Checklist for Estate Planning in Maine
Estate planning doesn't have to be complex or confusing. You can save time, stay organized, and simplify the process. If you're not sure where to start, this resource will walk you through what to think about before you gather documents or talk to an attorney. Ideally, you'll consider everything from preparing for incapacity to potential long-term care needs. Not just for seniors, it’s for any adult at any stage of life.

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Becoming a Paid Family Caregiver in Maine
Caretakers of ill or disabled loved ones might not be paid for their time and effort. If a family caregiver has other commitments, such as to a job or their own family, they can experience stress and other challenges. In some cases, they might also be paying for a parent or another loved one's care. If the care recipient can make their own decisions, it's possible for a family caregiver to get paid for their efforts.

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Maine Attorneys Focusing on Elder Law

A Maine Firm Focusing on Elder Law and Estates

Levey, Wagley, Putman & Eccher, P.A., has been serving its community for over 40 years. We're dedicated to addressing the legal needs our clients, and over time our practice has evolved to focus on elder law issues.

Wills and trusts, estate planning and health care issues are pressing concerns for a growing number of people, but the issues that accompany aging need not be overwhelming. We can help ease the way through proper planning and, if necessary, appropriate reaction to crisis. Whether you or a family member are in need of advice or advocacy, we're here to help. Call today for a consultation.

COVID-19 Update: Our office continues to recommend the use of masks, given the advanced age of most of our clients. Clients are encouraged to where a mask while visiting our office regardless of vaccination status. To schedule an in-person meeting, video-conference (e.g., via Zoom), or telephone consultation, please call our office during regular business hours. Stay safe out there!

Services

We focus on legal issues revolving around the long-term care of you and your family, including:

When clients present issues requiring the attention of specialists in other legal areas, we affiliate with trusted colleagues outside the firm to meet our clients' needs.

People

Daniel J. Eccher, Madelyn O. Breerwood, and Cassandra Morin, are carrying on a tradition by striving to meet our clients' immediate needs while building trusted, long-lasting relationships. (Michael J. Levey, Sally M. Wagley, and Patrice Putman have retired.)

Our office staff has substantial experience. Our paralegal/office manager has worked in the legal field for over 30 years.

Clients

We've been active community participants for decades, and we have longstanding professional relationships with many of our clients. Many return to us over the years for regular consultations and have referred their family and friends.

Location

Our office is located on Main Street in Winthrop, Maine, about 10 miles from Augusta and 17 miles from Lewiston. View our map.

We also meet with clients in the greater Waterville area and greater Brunswick area.

For more information on our services, our fees, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

Pay Your Invoice

Please call our office during business hours if you would like to provide a credit card number over the phone.

Areas We Serve

Our office is in Winthrop, Maine, located approximately 10 miles from Augusta, and 17 miles from Lewiston. We are also available by appointment to meet in the Brunswick/Topsham area and the Waterville area.

Levey, Wagley, Putman & Eccher, P.A.
161 Main St. Suite 1-A
Winthrop, ME 04364
207-377-6966
207-377-2445 (fax)

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 7
Winthrop, ME 04364
207-377-6966

The Cost of Neglecting Estate Planning: Don't Let Your Family Pay the Price

Does a New Will Revoke an Old Will?

Staying Connected While Getting Older

A Checklist for Estate Planning in Maine

Becoming a Paid Family Caregiver in Maine

Practice Areas

Power of Attorney & Advanced Health Care Directives

LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING

WILLS & TRUSTS

Administration of Estates

GUARDIANSHIP & CONSERVATORSHIP