Levey, Wagley, Putman & Eccher, P.A.

Levey, Wagley, Putman & Eccher, P.A. Law firm focusing on elder law in beautiful downtown Winthrop, Maine; a long tradition of excellent client service; estate planning, trusts, & Medicaid

Sandra found her father's will within days of his passing. Relieved, she assumed the will would settle everything. Inste...
08/11/2026

Sandra found her father's will within days of his passing. Relieved, she assumed the will would settle everything. Instead, she still had to file paperwork with the probate court.

Like Sandra, many people believe having a will keeps their estate out of probate. In Maine, the two often go hand in hand.

What determines whether your estate avoids probate? Is a trust a better option? Our latest blog explains what a will does and doesn't do: https://www.leveyandwagley.com/does-a-will-avoid-probate-here-s-the-truth

August 14 marks 91 years since President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act of 1935, creating one of America's mos...
08/11/2026

August 14 marks 91 years since President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act of 1935, creating one of America's most enduring safety nets.

Decades later, many people still confuse Social Security's companion program, Medicare, with Medicaid when it comes to long-term care. Medicare generally doesn't pay for extended nursing home stays. Medicaid does, but only after meeting strict asset and income requirements.

Knowing the difference between them can help you plan and protect your assets before care is needed: https://www.leveyandwagley.com/the-differences-between-medicare-and-medicaid-or-mainecare

Summer plans often focus on what's happening next. But some of the biggest decisions involve what happens if life takes ...
07/14/2026

Summer plans often focus on what's happening next. But some of the biggest decisions involve what happens if life takes an unexpected turn. That's what estate planning prepares you for.

It's the perfect time to discuss what matters, such as vacation property, college-bound kids, or upcoming travel. They're worth planning for, and risks worth protecting against.

In our latest blog, catch up on the summer activities that can affect your estate plan: https://www.leveyandwagley.com/5-estate-planning-steps-to-take-this-summer/

Summer brings the opportunity to travel, spend time outdoors, and enjoy community events. But the heat can cause health ...
07/14/2026

Summer brings the opportunity to travel, spend time outdoors, and enjoy community events. But the heat can cause health and safety risks, especially for older adults.

Follow these steps to keep seniors safe and healthy: https://www.care.com/c/12-summer-safety-tips-for-seniors/

Elder abuse isn't always obvious and can take many forms. It can happen when:▪️ A trusted family member makes unauthoriz...
06/05/2026

Elder abuse isn't always obvious and can take many forms. It can happen when:

▪️ A trusted family member makes unauthorized withdrawals.
▪️ A caregiver isolates an older adult.
▪️ A vulnerable senior citizen's care or medical needs are neglected.

Powers of attorney, advance directives, and trusted advisors who check in regularly are among the strongest legal safeguards against exploitation.

This World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), remember to speak up for the older adults in our lives and communities.

See the signs of elder abuse and steps for prevention: https://elderabuseprevention.info/

You've spent years contributing to your 401(k). But when did you last check your beneficiary forms?Small oversights like...
05/18/2026

You've spent years contributing to your 401(k). But when did you last check your beneficiary forms?

Small oversights like outdated beneficiary designations can create big problems later, especially when accounts, documents, and family needs have changed.

Your retirement planning and estate planning should work together. In our latest blog, explore what to review before you retire and why coordination is crucial: https://www.leveyandwagley.com/is-estate-planning-important-for-retirement-planning

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions older adults make to every community. This year’s th...
05/18/2026

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions older adults make to every community. This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us that healthy aging is built through meaningful choices like regular checkups, self-advocacy, and staying connected.

Championing your health also involves planning. Health-care directives ensure your medical wishes are honored if you can't speak for yourself. Financial powers of attorney let someone you trust make decisions when you're unable. Long-term care planning addresses how you'll pay for future care without depleting your savings.

As you age, these legal tools protect your health decisions and your financial security.

Learn more about health-care planning: https://www.leveyandwagley.com/power-attorney-advanced-health-care-directives

Maine is about to give caregivers something many have been waiting for: paid family medical leave. Starting on May 1st, ...
04/13/2026

Maine is about to give caregivers something many have been waiting for: paid family medical leave.

Starting on May 1st, eligible workers and the self-employed can take time off without losing their entire income. But details like who qualifies, how much leave is available, and how this new program works with similar leave laws can be confusing.

If you're a caregiver, find out more in our latest blog before taking leave ever becomes necessary: https://www.leveyandwagley.com/maine-s-new-paid-family-medical-leave-what-caregivers-need-to-know

April is National Health-care Decisions Month, and National Health-care Decisions Day on April 16 reminds us: If you cou...
04/13/2026

April is National Health-care Decisions Month, and National Health-care Decisions Day on April 16 reminds us: If you couldn't speak for yourself, would someone know what to do?

During a tough time, an advance directive removes doubts, helping your loved ones act for you with confidence. It puts your wishes in writing and names people who can step in when needed.

Now is a good time to consider your wishes or review them before a crisis forces the issue. If you need help, contact us to get started.

Address

161 Main Street, Ste 1-A
Winthrop, ME
04364

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12073776966

Website

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