Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts)
At Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP, we have a straightforward definition of estate planning that forms the basis of our approach:
“To leave what you want, to whom you want, the way you want, while saving every court cost, legal fee and tax dollar possible.”
We are committed to helping our clients leave a lasting legacy. From our offices in Newport and Wakefield, Rhode Island, we create personalized estate plans designed to protect and preserve assets for generations to come. Our estate planning lawyers have more than 35 years of experience providing estate planning services to people, families and business owners in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
Services We Provide
We pride ourselves on creating comprehensive estate plans for our clients that may include:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Financial powers of attorney
- Healthcare powers of attorney and advance directives
- Life insurance planning
- Estate tax planning
- Business succession planning
- Life insurance trusts
- IRA trusts for asset protection
- QPRTs
- Charitable planning
- Long-term care planning
- Special needs planning
Integrity From The Start
We begin with the premise that each client’s estate, regardless of size, is important. Using our proprietary planning process, our services are custom-tailored to meet the needs, goals and values of each individual client. Whether we use basic wills or more complex trusts, our process provides our clients with the knowledge and information they need to make good decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
In a time of technological change and corporate mission statements, our approach to the practice of law remains simple: WE FOCUS ON SERVICE — WE DELIVER RESULTS.
There is no charge for your initial consultation, and the fees for most of our estate planning services are fixed in advance, so there are no surprises.
Estate Planning Practice Group
Richard N. Sayer
Debra L. Chernick
Melissa L. Green
Estate Planning Insights
Seven Estate Planning Traps Most People Miss—and Seven Questions to Audit Your Family’s Future
Attorney Melissa L. Green highlights seven common estate planning traps that show up over time, along with seven questions you can use as a simple audit.
What Is a SLAT and Is It Right for Your Estate Plan?
A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust can move millions out of your taxable estate while your spouse retains access to those assets. That’s a powerful combination, but it comes with real strings attached.
Dynasty Trusts and Multi-Generational Wealth: Can You Actually Skip the Estate Tax for Your Grandchildren?
The short answer is: yes, with serious caveats. The longer answer involves the generation-skipping transfer tax, a federal exemption that may be cut in half by 2026, and some meaningful differences in how Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut treat these trusts. Let’s work through all of it.
Protect Your Legacy
It costs nothing to get the important legal information you need about your estate planning goals. To schedule your free initial consultation, email us or call our office at 401-849-3040 or 866-378-5836 toll free.