MEPC September 2016 Membership Meeting
Panel Discussion: Probate Litigation
While a majority of probate matters are handled informally with limited judicial supervision, probate litigation is an important consideration for attorneys, tax accountants, and financial advisors who work with and advise Personal Representatives and estate beneficiaries. This program will shed light on the probate litigation process, focusing on the areas that give rise to such suits, as well as steps to take to avoid costly and time consuming litigation. The panel members, consisting of estate planning attorneys who handle litigation matters, as well as a Probate Court Judge, will offer their unique and in-depth experience in and knowledge of this important area.
Our Panel:
Dennis J. O'Donovan is a partner in the law firm of Epstein & O’Donovan, LLP, in Portland. His practice is concentrated in the areas of estates and trusts. In these areas, Dennis prepares wills and trusts of all types, assists clients with the administration of estates and trusts, advises individuals on business succession planning, charitable giving and other tax matters, represents parties in probate and trust litigation matters and counsels parties involved in guardianship and conservatorship matters.
Dana Hanley graduated from Oxford Hills High School, Colby College, and the University of Maine School of Law. Dana first established his law practice as a sole practitioner in 1991 in Paris, Maine. Dana was elected Judge of Probate for Oxford County in 1996 and has held that position continuously since. Judge Hanley has the distinction of being the first Judge in Maine history to be accepted into the Masters program of The National Judicial College. Judge Hanley was the Chairman of the Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Probate Rules from 2009 until 2016 and helped usher in e-filing during his tenure. Dana is retiring from the bench at the end of the year, having served in that capacity for twenty years.
Jennifer L. Eastman is a partner at Rudman Winchell. She concentrates her practice on estate planning and administration, and elder law. She advises clients on all aspects of estate planning and administration including transfers of family businesses and camps, and generational planning minimizing tax implications of transfer. Her probate practice includes guardianships and conservatorships, as well as representation of fiduciaries and trust beneficiaries. Jennifer’s experience includes assisting clients in Medicare planning and application, and the creation of special needs trusts. Jennifer also represents clients in guardianships and conservatorships for minor children and disabled or incapacitated adults.
