Michael Monteforte
Monteforte Law P.C.
Why do I do this?
It's simple really. My family - specifically, my grandparents. Although they are no longer with us, their memory is a constant reminder to me about why I chose this field.
When my firm was still new, my grandparents (to me, Nanny & Papa) decided it would be best to move into an assisted living facility. My grandfather was starting to suffer from dementia, and his symptoms were worsening. It was time for them to live in a setting that offered more specialized care. As we all know, the costs of long-term care are astronomical. During this time, my family and I watched as they drained their savings in order to live comfortably and safely.
My family kept asking me about my grandparents’ legal rights, but I was a young lawyer then, and the truth is, I didn't know the answers. I was still perfecting and honing the focus of my practice. I made a pledge to myself then, that I would become educated in the fields of elder law and estate planning. I took this opportunity to read and learn as much as I could to find some way — any way — to help my family. So I read, and I studied, and I attended continuing legal education, so I could learn this field.
Although I was of some help to my grandparents, there wasn't much I could do at that point, because pre-planning is the key, and we were already late to the game. But that’s when I found my passion. I currently only accept cases in estate planning and elder law. While I have resources and a referral network available for clients needing other forms of legal help, my focus gives me the greatest opportunity to provide as much help as I can.
So that's why I do it, and why I am passionate about it.
- Suffolk University Law School
- J.D. (2001)
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- Activities: Vice President, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
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- Salem State College
- B.S. (1998) | Criminal Justice
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- Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Honors Program Graduate, Presidential Scholarship Award Winner
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- Attorney/Owner
- Monteforte Law P.C.
- - Current
- The Long Game
- Word Associations Press
- Planning Ahead - 2nd Edition
- Word Association Press
- Planning Ahead
- Word Association Press
- Estate Plan and Elder Law Planning Seminar, Buzzell Senior Center, Wilmington, MA
- Massachusetts Bar Assoication
- #1 Choice in Wilmington
- Wicked Local
- Regional Gold Award
- Wicked Local
- Certificate in Estate Planning
- Foundation for Continuing Education
- #1 Attorney in Wilmington
- Wicked Local
- #1 Attorney in Wilmington
- Wicked Local
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- Member
- - Current
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- Massachusetts State Bar
- - Current
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- Real Estate Bar Association
- - Current
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- Massachusetts
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- New York
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Credit Cards Accepted
Accepts credit cards and check-by-phone.
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Elder Law
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. As executor, can I put money I have inherited from a retirement account/insurance policy of the deceased to pay debt?
- A: I think that a little more info is needed here, but wanted to give you some basics. First, the estate has to pay valid claims so long as there is money to do so. BUT, if you inherited funds from the deceased and those funds were not part of the estate (in other words, you were named as a beneficiary on the retirement account and life insurance) you do not have to use those funds to pay estate debts, and you should not be personally liable for the estate debts. Because you are dealing with a family member, you certainly could repay them from the funds you inherited, but that's your choice.
- Q. Can a buyer legally back out of a purchase and sale agreement if an error exists in the listing?
- A: Attorney Tolley is correct. 100%
About Mike. Hear Attorney Mike tell you a little bit about himself.