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Learn MoreWe see the whole person, not just the legal challenges and complications of aging. We listen with compassion, meet people where they are, and approach every situation with understanding and care. Our clients deserve to feel heard, respected, and supported, always.
We uphold the highest ethical standards in every interaction. Clients trust us with life’s most sensitive matters, and we honor that trust with honesty, transparency, and accountability. We do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
We go beyond solving legal issues, we see the whole person. By understanding our clients’ families, values, concerns, and long-term goals, we design thoughtful strategies that align with their lives, not just their legal needs. It’s about building solutions that reflect who they are and what matters most.
We are intentional in everything we do. In a complex legal landscape, we think beyond the obvious. We blend foresight, creative thinking, and seasoned experience to find solutions that aren’t just effective, but tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring a path forward that is both clear and strategic.
We’re meticulous in our approach, leaving nothing to chance and no question unanswered. Our thorough, disciplined approach gives clients confidence that we are with them every step of the way, safeguarding their interests at every turn.
Also Serving Clients in Massachusetts and Connecticut
At McCarthy Law, LLC, your needs always come first. Whether you’re planning for your family’s future, facing decisions about elder care, or buying residential property, we’re here to provide thoughtful, knowledgeable guidance.
Contact Us TodaySchedule your FREE 15 minute Discovery Call with McCarthy Law.
We love working with individuals and families who work hard to provide for their loved ones, regardless of the size of your house and your bank account. Providing peace of mind for parents is a passion of ours. Estate planning is an important tool in planning for your loved ones and protecting what you work so hard for is important for all individuals and families.
Learn MoreMake a plan to enjoy your later years with less stress with proper financial planning and long-term care plans created by our team of legal professionals. Whether it’s a long way off or just around the corner, rest assured that your wishes will be safeguarded and your assets and care needs protected to the greatest extent possible.
Learn MoreWhen the path forward isn’t clear, we’re here to help. If someone passes away without a clear estate plan or owning assets in their name alone without a designated beneficiary, probate hearings may be necessary to validate the will or execute the wishes of your loved one. We handle probate administration from start to finish, including guardianship proceedings.
Learn MoreMcCarthy Law, LLC is here to protect the roof over your head. From lease agreements to purchase and sale agreements and sale of real estate, we are here to assist with all aspects of residential real estate law. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can help.
Learn MoreLegal protection may be necessary for some people even after they have entered adulthood. These individuals may have been injured in accidents, are subject to long-term suffering from an incapacitating psychological or physical issue or have a condition that prevents them from taking care of themselves. A guardianship may be established in circumstances such as these. We’re here to help.
Learn MoreAt McCarthy Law, LLC, we seamlessly integrate legal, financial, and healthcare strategies tailored to meet your unique needs. Our team is committed to securing your future, providing unmatched support and guidance every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a plan that not only safeguards your legacy but also offers peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Learn MoreWhat Our Clients Are Saying About Working With McCarthy Law, LLC.
Samantha McCarthy Jarvis, Esq.
Attorney
Samantha McCarthy Jarvis, Esq.
Samantha McCarthy Jarvis, Esq. is the founder of McCarthy Law. Licensed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, her passion for this work is rooted in personal experience and a lifelong commitment to public service.
Learn MoreDaphne Hamilton (Robson), Esq.
Attorney
Daphne Hamilton (Robson), Esq.
A Rhode Island native, Daphne brings both legal knowledge and personal insight to her work, having supported her own family through a grandparent’s dementia and guardianship process.
Learn MoreJennifer Haskins, Esq.
Attorney
Jennifer Haskins, Esq.
A lifelong Rhode Islander, Jennifer’s passion for law grew from personal experiences supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s and special needs. She’s committed to empowering clients through thoughtful planning and accessible guidance.
Learn MoreWhitney R. Anderson, Esq.
Attorney
Whitney R. Anderson, Esq.
Attorney Whitney Anderson brings over a decade of experience in estate planning, family law, and probate to families across Rhode Island. A Newport native and Super Lawyers Rising Star, she combines compassionate advocacy with sharp legal skills to help clients confidently plan for the future.
Learn MoreWe're Here to Provide Guidance and Peace of Mind
Our estate and elder law attorneys work with individuals and families from all walks of life and take a personalized approach to every matter. We listen closely, explain your options clearly, and craft solutions that reflect your unique goals. We prioritize you, so when you choose us, you’re really choosing yourself. Read about our lawyers and staff to discover the difference we can make.
Meet the TeamWhether you’re planning for your children’s future or preparing for your golden years, we’re here to help. Our team has guided hundreds of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut families, including our own, through thoughtful, personalized legal planning with compassion.
Book A Free Discovery CallEstate planning is so much more than deciding where your belongings go after you pass away. It’s really about creating a roadmap for your loved ones to follow so they remain secure and cared for when you’re no longer with them. It’s a process full of difficult and emotional decisions, there’s no doubt about that, but our Rhode Island estate planning lawyer at McCarthy Law, LLC is here to guide you through every decision with clear and compassionate counsel. Whether you’re looking to draft a will, update an existing one, set up a trust, or appoint someone to make medical or financial decisions on your behalf, give us a call today.
Despite common misconceptions, estate planning is not just for the wealthy or elderly. If you own a home, have children, care for a loved one with special needs, or simply have strong feelings about what should happen to your assets after you’re no longer around, our attorneys can provide the structured support you need to accomplish your goals.
Without a valid plan in place, key decisions about your property and healthcare may be left up to the court. This may not sound like a big deal, but believe us when we say it could lead you and your loved ones down a messy road that no one deserves to experience. Especially during times of grief. Taking the time now to create clear legal documents will benefit everyone involved. Your wishes will be laid out, your loved ones will know what to do, and the court won’t have to step in and make choices on your behalf. That means fewer delays, fewer expenses, and far less stress.
What sets our Rhode Island estate law firm apart is our personal, hands-on approach. We know that every client’s situation is different, so we take the time to understand your goals and explain your options in plain terms. When you work with us, you’ll never be handed a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, you get a plan tailored to your life, your priorities, and your family. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and guardianship administration, we help you cover every part of your plan with care and attention.
We also understand that estate planning can bring up sensitive topics, like family dynamics, health concerns, and long-term care needs. That’s why we work with you at your pace and offer guidance without pressure. Whether you’re updating an old plan or starting from scratch, our team will meet you where you are. We’ll explain what each document does, help you make informed decisions, and keep the process organized and efficient.
At McCarthy Law, LLC, our team values long-term relationships. We don’t believe our job stops at completing your documents. We’re here to be your resource over time, whenever life changes and your plan needs to adjust. If you’ve recently experienced a major life event like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one, now is a good time to talk with our Rhode Island estate planning lawyer to make sure everything is still aligned with your goals. If you’re ready to start planning or want to review an existing plan, we invite you to contact our firm today. Call or send us a message to schedule a discovery call. We look forward to working with you on designing your future, your way.
Our attorneys at McCarthy Law, LLC proudly represent clients across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. With a focus on estate planning, elder law, and related services, we’re here to help individuals and families throughout the region achieve comfort and security for every stage of their lives.
Book A Free Discovery CallYour Questions Answered
Elder law focuses on planning for aging, healthcare, and long-term care needs, while estate law deals with managing and distributing your assets after death.
Both types of law often overlap, but elder law is more concerned with your quality of life as you age; it addresses issues like Medicaid planning, guardianship, and healthcare directives. Estate law more so involves solidifying your wishes when it comes to your property, beneficiaries’ inheritance, and overall legacy. At McCarthy Law, LLC, our attorneys offer both elder and estate legal services under one roof so that you can get comprehensive support tailored to your goals.
Estate planning typically involves taking inventory of your assets, evaluating your estate, choosing your decision-makers, and drafting key documents like wills and trusts.
When you meet with our Rhode Island estate planning lawyer, we’ll begin by understanding your family dynamics and overall goals. Then, we’ll help you review your finances, property, and potential tax considerations. From there, we’ll craft personalized estate documents, including your will, powers of attorney, and more to honor your wishes. We’ll also guide you through funding any trusts and updating your beneficiary designations so that your estate plan stays enforceable and complete.
In Rhode Island, any estate with assets in the deceased’s name alone may need to go through probate, regardless of value.
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing property, and it can be time-consuming and costly without proper planning. Estates valued under $15,000 may qualify for a simplified process. Our Rhode Island probate lawyers are here to help you avoid unnecessary probate by utilizing tools like joint ownership, beneficiary designations, and trusts so that your heirs and loved ones face fewer legal complications during their time of grief.
To be considered valid under Rhode Island law, a will must be in writing, signed by the person who created it (the testator), and witnessed by two people.
As the testator, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Handwritten (holographic) wills and oral wills are not recognized in Rhode Island. Our estate planning attorneys are here to help you through every step of the process with professional and personalized advice. You can rely on us to make sure your will meets all legal requirements and clearly reflects your intentions. Plus, the law may change, and so may your goals. Whenever you need to update your will, we’ll be ready to assist you.
Trusts allow you to manage and distribute assets privately. They can help your loved ones avoid going through probate and offer greater control over how and when your assets are used.
A trust is a great option for if you have minor children, family members with special needs, or want to keep your financial matters out of public record. You don’t have to pick between a trust and a will, you can have both. There may be certain funds or assets you want to protect in a trust, and others that will be just fine getting distributed through a simple will. A blended approach allows you to take advantage of the privacy and control that trusts offer, while still covering any remaining property via your will. Our Rhode Island wills and trusts lawyer can help you make informed decisions about where to put your assets so that your plan is thorough and completely tailored to your goals and wishes.
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