This is a modified version of the firm's brochure.
If you would like a copy of the firm's brochure and other information please feel free to call 978-774-3124
or e-mail VRW@WhelanLawOffice.com.
The Law Officeof Victoria R. Whelan
Will work with your schedule to meet at a mutually convenient location.
130 Centre Street Suite 2 Danvers, Mass. 01923 978-774-3124
VRW@WhelanLawOffice.com
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Wills, Trusts and Estates
Will- This document allows you to direct who shall receive your “estate”, that is all you own at death. It also allows you to appoint the person responsible for overseeing your wishes and allows you to recommend who will look after your minor children.
Estate Administration- This is the process by which the executor or administrator distributes the estate of the deceased. Not following the steps can delay distribution and/or cost the estate money, which may result in the executor or administrator being found personally liable.
Health Care Proxy- This document allows you to appoint an agent who will make your health care decisions, if you are unable to communicate your wishes. This document is similar to a “living will” in that it addresses life support issues. A health care proxy goes beyond that issue, by allowing your agent to address other issues concerning your health care.
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Power of Attorney- This document allows you to appoint someone who may act in your name. The Person you appoint is known as an “Attorney in Fact”, who does not, in fact, have to be an attorney. The document allows someone to handle everything from finances at the bank to selling a home. It is a primary document for Nursing Home planning. The document can give the attorney in fact power immediately or after you become incompetent. You must, however, have the document in place, before you become incompetent.
Trusts- This document allows one person to hold property for the benefit of another person. Trusts are often used when planning a large estate, for tax purposes, or in cases where it would not be appropriate for someone to have immediate access to property, whether real or personal. The document is also used to avoid probate and for Nursing Home Planning.
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Divorce
This office no longer offers litigation because for most divorcing couples, there are these better alternatives.
Mediation- This process allows the couple to work with a neutral third party and resolve the issues necessary to end their marriage. These include issues involving the children and the property of the marriage. At the end of a successful mediation the couple has a separation agreement that they can present to the court. This method is almost always less costly and less stressful.
Collaborative Law- This is a new method of divorce. Each party has their own counsel, who is working for their best interest. The difference is counsel for both parties agree at the outset that they will not go to court. The attorneys and the parties work together to resolve the necessary issues. This can be described as mediation with the security of having your own counsel. |
Other Areas of Law
Mediation and Collaborative Law are also available to resolve a number of other legal issues. Essentially, if you and another person are having a disagreement in a situation where you need or want to preserve the relationship, then this is a cost-effective method worth trying. There is a growing trend to try this method when adult children are caring for their aging parents and other family disputes.
Bankruptcy- When your debt is more than you can repay, this may be a necessary step. It may stop a foreclosure. You may be able to save your home. Interest may stop accruing on debts. Certain debts may be discharged, which means you may no longer owe the money. Debt collectors will have to stop calling. This process allows you to make a fresh start. The two most common options in filing are: a chapter 7, where most of your debt is discharged, but some assets may be sold; and a chapter 13 where you repay your debt over 3-5 years.
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Will work with your schedule to meet at a mutually convenient location.
The office regularly schedules evening and weekend hours.
A free 1/2 hour consultation is always available. This allows both of us to get to know one another.
In most areas I offer flat fees so you know at the outset what you will be paying. These areas include bankruptcy, wills, health care proxy, power of attorney, and drafting trusts. Estate administration is generally done hourly with a maximum on the fee.
The office accepts Mastercard, Visa, Cash and personal checks. Credit Cards are not accepted for bankruptcy work, for obvious reasons. If someone other than the person filing bankruptcy is paying the legal fee, then credit cards will be accepted. |
