The Law Offices Of Mark T Russell

The Law Offices of Mark T. Russell, Esq. is a client-focused law firm dedicated to serving individuals and families in their estate, elder, and business planning needs throughout Cape Cod and the Islands. Our team takes the time to understand each client's unique circumstances, needs, and expectations. We believe that every individual's situation is distinct, whether it involves estate tax planning, elder law, or business planning. Our goal is to help clients make informed decisions about their personal and financial future, ensuring their independence and peace of mind.

Our Practice

Our practice encompasses a wide range of services including Estate Planning, Elder Planning, and Probate and Estate Administration. In Estate Planning, we work with clients to establish a plan that considers substitute decision-making, familial and financial circumstances, and the implementation of their wishes after passing. Elder Planning involves preserving assets for a surviving spouse, securing financial resources for a disabled child, and planning for long-term care. We also provide guidance on probate and estate administration, including identifying assets subject to probate, administering the terms of a Will, and assisting with matters outside the jurisdiction of the Probate Court.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is a multifaceted process that begins with a discussion about substitute decision-making. This includes determining who will make decisions impacting you and your finances if you are unable to do so. Next, we consider the weighing of familial and financial circumstances to establish a structure such as a Will or Trust planning. This involves thinking about not just who inherits and what they receive but also the differing needs of family members, charitable planning, disability planning, and tax planning. Our goal is to create a plan that reflects each client's purpose and needs.

Elder Planning

Elder Planning is not limited to the elderly but rather incorporates consideration of how aging impacts independence, finances, and estate plans. This includes preserving assets for a surviving spouse, securing resources for a disabled child, and planning for long-term care. We also offer counsel on anticipating the need for long-term care, understanding eligibility for MassHealth benefits, and preparing for the application process. Often, Elder Planning requires coordinating the knowledge and services of legal, medical, insurance, and financial planning professionals.

Probate and Estate Administration

Probate encompasses the laws and requirements governing the administration of an individual's assets upon their passing. This includes identifying assets subject to the jurisdiction of the Probate Court, administering the terms of a Will, and filing necessary documents. Estate Administration involves assistance with matters outside the jurisdiction of the Probate Court, such as identifying beneficiary designations, transferring retirement accounts, and preparing documents for the transfer of title and removing liability from the Trustee upon termination of the Trust. Our team provides counsel on taxing authorities and prepares estate tax returns to preserve assets for the decedent's family and beneficiaries.

Business Planning

Business Planning goes beyond merely establishing a corporation or LLC. We provide counsel on limiting liability to clients, which is routine. However, just as common is the planning required for the operational and financial aspects of a business, including succession planning, business disputes, and tax planning. Our goal is to ensure that our clients' businesses are protected and successful for generations to come.