Losing someone you love is hard enough.
To make it less difficult, we help streamline the probate and trust administration process, protecting you and your family from unnecessary stress.
Probate
Trust Administration
Trust Disputes
Our goal is simple…
Honor and protect your loved one’s interests while helping you settle their estate fairly and as quickly as possible.
There’s no question that probate or trust administration prolongs the pain of losing a loved one. It’s complex, challenging, and stressful for your family. That’s why we work tirelessly to guide and protect you as you administer the trust or probate estate while helping you move through the process efficiently.
Whether you need a proven probate attorney or someone to help you administer your loved one's trust, we will guide you through the entire process so you and your family can settle the estate with less conflict or stress.
Our 3-step estate settlement process.
STEP 1
Schedule a Consultation
Request a consultation to review and discuss your estate settlement.
STEP 2
Settle the Estate
Get the guidance you need to reduce family conflict and settle the estate as quickly and fairly as possible.
STEP 3
Find Peace
Feel at peace knowing your loved one’s wishes have been honored.
Meet Daintria McClure, Probate Attorney & CPA serving Maine and Massachusetts
Daintria McClure, CPA, Esq.
J.D., Suffolk Law School
B.S.-Finance, Ohio State University
B.A.-History, Ohio State University
Certified Professional Accountant (CPA)
Admitted to practice in FL MA, and ME.
Meet Daintria McClure, Probate Attorney & CPA serving Maine and Massachusetts
For 20+ years, attorney and CPA Daintria McClure has helped hundreds of clients navigate the complexities of probate and trust administration. She understands how overwhelming handling your loved one’s affairs can be and will guide you through the process so you can find closure. Her deep knowledge of trust and probate law make her an invaluable asset to have on your side.
Whether you need clear, step-by-step guidance or someone to protect the estate from aggressive creditors, partnering with Daintria means that your loved one’s estate is in good hands.
How I Can Help
Holding your hand through the probate process
Protecting the value of the Estate
Connecting you with trusted Appraisers and CPA's
Handling difficult conversations with family members
Being in your corner every step of the way
Request a Consultation
Provide your details below to request a free consultation.
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Or Call (508) 834-4300 to schedule.
From our clients
"She knows the law, works in multiple states, and is fair with her cost."
When I was looking for an attorney, I did a lot of research and read plenty of reviews. Attorney McClure was the one! She helped me with property in Probate court and with the sale of the property. She knows the law, works in multiple states, and is fair with her cost.
So happy to have had her assistance throughout these past months. I promise, you will not be sorry to hire her. Thank you Attorney McClure, you are one of the best!
Brenda K.
"She made the process easy."
I contacted Daintra to settle my wife's estate. As someone from out of state I was looking for someone local who specialized in this type of work. She made the process easy even though there were some unexpected issues that came up where she had to interact with another attorney out of state.
While she had to charge me for the extra work, her fees were reasonable and she followed through to get everything done with minimal involvement by me. I would happily engage her services again.
Steven M.
"The estate settled exactly the way she said it would."
A colleague from work recommended Daintria to us when our mother passed away. I was the executor of the estate and had no background whatsoever in estates, stocks, trusts, or taxes, and didn’t know what was expected of me. To make matters worse, my mother owned property in Massachusetts and Maine. Thankfully, Daintria is licensed in both states.
At our first meeting Daintria reviewed the documents and told us what to expect as an outcome. She is a CPA as well as an attorney...it’s like one-stop shopping! She led me by the hand through the whole complicated ordeal. She was patient, kind, knowledgeable, professional, and prompt. She also has a wonderful sense of humor, which I really appreciated. In the end, the estate settled exactly the way she said it would. Neither state questioned any of the documents we submitted, and she did the taxes. I would highly recommend Daintria’s services to anyone. As a matter of fact, I have family members who are now clients of hers. Thank you, Daintria!!
Joan I.
Common Questions
How much do you charge?
The cost and fees associated with probate or trust administration vary depending on the complexity and length of the case. But we offer affordable flat-rate fees for uncontested probate and competitive hourly rates for probate and trust administration.
How long does this process take?
Every case is different, but we are usually able to help clients settle their estate in less than 18 months — in some cases as little as 12 months. Our goal is to work efficiently and help you settle both quickly and fairly. While other attorneys might allow your case to drag out as they continue to charge you, we want to help you and your family close this chapter as soon as possible.
Must i pay my loved one's debts and expenses if i am appointed pr or executor?
No, you are not personally liable for the debts and expenses of the estate. The decedent’s assets will be used to pay valid debts and expenses, but not all claims are valid. We determine which debts and expenses must be paid and when to pay them.
Am I the one that has to tell family members what they do or don’t get?
If you prefer, we can handle all uncomfortable communications with family members or involved parties during the trust or estate administration, informing or explaining what they will or will not receive from the estate.
HOW DO I AVOID PROBATE?
Avoiding probate might be an option for those planning for the future, but it's important to recognize that it may not be an option if you're dealing with a recent loss.
For those looking ahead, creating a living trust, designating beneficiaries on accounts, and utilizing joint ownership may bypass the probate process, ensuring a smoother transition of assets; however, it is important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure you create a plan that will work when you need it. If you're currently facing the probate process, our experienced team is here to guide you through each step, providing support and expertise to make the journey as straightforward as possible.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PROBATE?
The purpose of probate is to settle a deceased individual's estate through the probate court. It involves validating the decedent's will, appointing someone to manage the estate (the personal representative), paying the estate's debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. The process also includes handling legal matters such as settling liabilities, transferring ownership of assets, and formally closing the estate.
What are the different types of probate / Estate administration?
Informal Probate
This is the less complicated route, ideal when everything is in order and there are no disputes. While it's more straightforward, it can still take 12 months or more. Patience is key here.
Formal Probate
Formal probate is often necessary when there are questions about the will or if a Personal Representative (PR) needs to be appointed by a judge. Once the PR is appointed, the process may become relatively unsupervised, allowing for more flexibility. It's a blend of structure and autonomy that can suit various situations.
Supervised Probate
For complex or contentious situations, the court oversees everything. It's thorough and ensures that everything is done by the book, but it can be quite involved.
Summary Administration with Small Estate Affidavits
If the estate's value is below certain limits, you might qualify for this more streamlined process. It's a helpful option for smaller estates but still requires careful attention to detail.
Intestate Administration
Intestate means the decedent passed away without a will. Intestate administration can be an informal or formal process, depending on the complexity of the estate assets and family dynamics.
Our Probate Law Firm serving Maine and Massachusetts
Our Massachusetts location:
212 Worcester Street
North Grafton, MA 01536
Phone: (508) 834-4300
Our MaINE location:
77 Union St.
Rockland, ME 04841
We also serve out-of-state clients and can meet by video-conference.
Probate can be a long and stressful process…
But it doesn’t have to be.
Hiring the right legal team can be the difference between painlessly settling the estate as quickly as possible or spending years battling with creditors and family members.
Spinnaker Probate will guide you step-by-step through this daunting process so you and your family can move forward with dignity and confidence.
Or Call (508) 834-4300
