Business Details
13 Years
experience
Estate Planning & Probate Law Firm in Ellsworth, Maine
Jones Kuriloff & Sargent, LLC is a law firm specializing in estate planning, probate, and related services. Our areas of concentration include drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney; providing trustee services; assisting with real estate transactions; corporate planning and governance; fiduciary and investment oversight; and counsel regarding guardianships and conservatorships. With decades of combined experience, our team of attorneys brings specialized expertise in trust and estate law, elder law, and corporate services. We are recognized by Best Lawyers in the areas of Trusts and Estates & Elder Law and maintain a strong commitment to community service.Our attorneys have been invited to testify before the Maine Legislature on trust and estate legislation and serve on national advisory commissions. We prioritize client education, offering regular seminars and adult education classes on estate planning topics. Our firm operates with transparency, ethical standards, and a client-centric approach, ensuring reliable legal solutions tailored to individual needs.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Corporate Services
Real Estate Transactions
Elder Law
Notary Services
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of combined experience in trust and estate law since 1985
- Our attorneys serve on national probate law advisory commissions
- We provide personalized estate planning solutions for families and businesses
- Recognized leaders in Maine elder law and asset protection planning
- Active community involvement including local nonprofit board memberships
Associations and certifications
- Best Lawyers
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
Personalized attention
Community-focused attorneys
Comprehensive estate solutions
Professional staff
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients secure their legacy through wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. We specialize in asset protection, tax reduction, and creating customized plans for families, individuals with disabilities, and business owners. Our attorneys provide comprehensive guidance on beneficiary designations, guardianship arrangements, and pet trusts to ensure your wishes are honored.
Probate Administration
We guide personal representatives through Maine's probate process, handling asset collection, debt settlement, and property distribution. Our services include court filings, tax compliance, and fiduciary duty counseling. We help families navigate estate administration while minimizing legal risks and ensuring proper compliance with state requirements.
Corporate Services
Our corporate services include entity formation, bylaw preparation, and succession planning for Maine businesses. We assist with registered agent services, annual reporting, and corporate governance matters. We help business owners structure entities for estate planning purposes and facilitate smooth ownership transitions through proper documentation and compliance.
Real Estate Transactions
We handle real estate matters including deed preparation, title transfers, and purchase agreements. Our services cover residential and commercial transactions, property re-titling for estate planning, and title search services. We advise on liability reduction strategies through trusts and corporate entities while coordinating with accountants for tax implications.
Elder Law
Our elder law practice addresses Medicaid planning, long-term care strategies, and special needs trusts. We help families protect assets while qualifying for government benefits and create comprehensive plans for aging clients. Our holistic approach considers housing, healthcare, and quality of life issues while coordinating with medical and financial professionals.
People
Jeffrey W. Jones
Partner
Practicing trust and estate law since 1985, Jeff is a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel and serves on the Maine Probate and Trust Law Advisory Commission. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995 and specializes in complex estate planning and legislative advocacy.
Rebecca J. Sargent
Partner
With prior experience as a senior trust officer, Rebecca specializes in estate planning and corporate law. A certified trust and financial advisor, she serves on multiple community boards and was named Ellsworth Chamber's Citizen of the Year in 2024 for her local contributions.
Catherine H. Fenton
Associate Attorney
Focusing on probate and real estate law, Catherine brings extensive local legal experience. She previously served on the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar and specializes in helping families with estate planning and property transactions in Hancock County.
Timothy W. Stanley
Associate Attorney
Tim specializes in estate planning and probate, offering educational classes on Maine estate law. A graduate of the University of Maine School of Law, he combines legal expertise with practical experience from managing hospitality operations prior to his legal career.
Elizabeth G. Young
Paralegal
Handling trust administration and corporate matters, Elizabeth brings prior experience as a Trust Officer. She manages public relations for the firm and provides client database support while maintaining active roles in local community education and fitness programs.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Basic estate plans include wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We customize plans based on family needs, asset protection goals, and long-term care considerations.
How does probate work in Maine?
Maine's probate process involves appointing a personal representative, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing property. We guide executors through required court filings and compliance obligations.
Can I use out-of-state estate documents in Maine?
We review out-of-state documents for Maine law compliance. Differences in state regulations often require updating estate plans when relocating to Maine to ensure proper asset protection.
Do you offer notary services?
We provide complimentary notary services for clients. Please schedule appointments in advance as our notaries are also practicing attorneys with limited availability.
What are your office hours?
Our Ellsworth office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We recommend scheduling appointments for specialized services in advance.
How do I start the estate planning process?
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We'll discuss your family situation, financial goals, and specific concerns to create a tailored estate plan that meets your needs.
Reviews (1)
Betty Dereniuk
Dec 02, 2019
Report
Everyone we have encountered at this office has been extremely helpful and professional. We highly recommend them.
