About M&G
Our guiding principles are to put the best interest of our clients first and to live the Golden Rule. Sarah and Miranda believe in building long-term relationships so that we can help folks navigate health, legal, and financial changes that are likely to occur over a lifetime. We collaboratively help folks problem solve when inevitable snags and complications arise. And we encourage thinking ahead to avoid some pitfalls or gaps in planning that are all too common. Our main elder law practice areas include fiduciary services, estate planning, uncontested conservatorships (if we file as the petitioner’s attorney), and probate or estate administrations. We are transactional attorneys rather than litigators, but as fiduciaries, we often agree to take on complicated cases with the goal of easing contentious situations to the extent possible. We create and administer personalized plans that reflect clients’ unique situations for the most important aspects of their lives: Protecting loved ones and managing the limited time and resources that they have available.
Although thinking about health decline, disability, or dying is never pleasant, establishing a realistic plan is a responsible way to provide for family members and to better protect yourself and your assets. Some folks avoid or are afraid of planning, put it off until it is too late. Others believe that planning is only necessary for “old people” or the rich and famous or that they don’t need a plan because they do not have children, are single, are married, or their estate is “simple.” Practically speaking, even the “simplest” situations tend to involve complexity. There’s also a wry truth to keep in mind, passed down for umpteen generations from estate planning mentors to their successors: “There may be simple lawyers, but there are no simple Wills.” Whether or not our particular firm is a good fit for representing you or your connections, we encourage folks to be cautious of forms available online for “free” or minimal cost and instead to engage an experienced attorney dedicated to estate planning or elder law. Legal planning is not well constructed as a DIY (do it yourself) project. Informed decision-making leads to better outcomes.
The reality is that each of us is getting older every second, and it is never too early in adulthood to start planning for expected and unexpected challenges ahead. Families are diverse, and some require special language in their estate planning documents in order to protect their loved ones. Do not delay in putting your wishes properly in writing: Your family cannot—and the law will not—read your mind.
— Sarah and Miranda