Secrest & Darrow

Secrest & Darrow, PLC. specializes in Estate Planning and Elder Law. We are located on the fifth floor at 28 Vernon Street in downtown Brattleboro. Our services include:

Estate Planning

A good estate plan protects and preserves assets, creates tax and administrative efficiencies and provides comfort and ease for loved ones. Traditionally, estate planning means updating an older Will. Good planning includes Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives for healthcare as well. Our services go beyond these basics.

Our approach to estate planning involves a thorough review of asset titling and family relationships. We help our clients understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets, and learn how to pass assets to beneficiaries and charities by non-probate means. We address tax implications, losses to creditors or fraud and other important concerns.

Long Term Care Medicaid Planning

Long term care is very expensive, whether at home or in a residential facility. Long Term Care Medicaid is a federal program that is implemented state by state.  Eligibility is determined by the state after a lengthy application and verification process. We help with this process.

Our services focus on asset preservation instead of spend-down in order to qualify for the state assistance. Our attorneys are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and its Vermont Chapter. We are very knowledgeable about the financial eligibility rules and experienced with the application process. We provide comprehensive consultation and planning, application preparation and support through the verification process.

Fiduciary Counseling

We serve as counsel to trustees of family or individual trusts. On a limited basis, we also provide fiduciary services for executors, agents under power of attorney and trustees. We work closely with other professionals in this arena, taking a team approach to the needs of families and individuals with higher net worth assets and property.

Probate Administration

After the death of a family member, we provide representation in probate court to assist executors and administrators in filing to open a probate estate, obtain necessary consents and public notices, filing inventories and other required documents, seeking licenses from the court for the sale of property, dealing with creditors and filing motions for proposed orders and decrees. Our experienced paralegals work closely with families to navigate the court requirements and financial complexities of settling an estate.