Epstein & O'Donovan, LLP

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At Epstein & O’Donovan, we try to meet the needs of our estate planning clients in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Toward that end, we offer this explanation of the services we provide and how we charge for them. We also highlight some issues that often arise in the estate planning context and how we propose to handle them.

Maine law authorizes the personal representative of the estate to employ persons, including lawyers, auditors, investment advisors or agents, to advise or assist the personal representative with administrative duties. Generally, fees paid to persons employed by the personal representative are reimbursed to the personal representative by the estate; however, if these fees are not paid from the estate, they remain the personal obligation of the personal representative. While court review of estate fees and expenses is not routine, it is available.

The most important ingredient in successful and cost-effective estate administration is open and forthright communication between the personal representative and counsel. When we represent a personal representative, we encourage him or her to feel free to contact us if he or she has any questions or any concerns at any time during the course of the administration of the estate, whether such questions or concerns arise in response to written materials that we provide or for any other reason. We welcome any opportunity to serve our clients.

No one should operate any vehicle owned by the decedent after the decedent’s death. It is the personal representative’s duty to prevent irresponsible use of the decedent’s property; failure to do so may result in personal liability. If vehicles owned by the decedent are to be transferred to others, the transfer generally should be arranged as promptly as possible. If vehicles are to be sold, their sales should be arranged expeditiously.

Epstein & O’Donovan, LLP is one of very few firms in Maine with a practice focusing exclusively on estate planning, probate and trust administration. Our practice allows us to offer our clients the highest quality legal advice and services. We attempt to foster open and continuous relationships that permit us to become familiar with our clients' personal and family situations, their business and investment goals and their personalities.

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