Author Archives: Smilie G. Rogers

About Smilie G. Rogers

Smilie is an elder law, estate planning, probate, and tax attorney at Brennan & Rogers, PLLC, with offices in York and Kennebunk, Maine. See www.brennanrogers.com. Licensed to practice law in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire and licensed, but inactive, in Virginia. Smilie is also the founder of New England Estate Planning, see www.newenglandestateplanning.com, a fledgling website with the stated purpose of sharing legal knowledge and know-how, including automated forms, with and among estate planning lawyers.

Estate Planning – Attorney Control Sheets

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Smilie G. Rogers

Estate Planning – Attorney Control Sheets Have you ever wished that you could provide pinpoint directions to your staff for drafting an estate plan by checking boxes, making reference to your intake form or a  memo prepared for the file, … Continue reading →

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An easy and affordable staff management tool for estate planning attorneys… Hello Trello!

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Smilie G. Rogers

An easy and affordable task management tool for estate planning attorneys… Hello Trello! Solo and small firms can both benefit from Trello, which offers an easy and affordable solution to the “too much to do and track” problem that we … Continue reading →

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Increase your office efficiency by 90% but wait, there’s more… and don’t forget to pre-register!

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Smilie G. Rogers

  According to some reports, automating your practice can increase office efficiency by up to 90%. That’s an impressive number.  While I agree that automating your practice can significantly increase your office efficiency, what I appreciate just as much is … Continue reading →

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Announcing a New Automated Estate Planning Platform for New England Lawyers – Coming Soon

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Smilie G. Rogers

Over the past several months I have been kicking into high gear a dream of mine; to create a free, yep – well, mostly free, automated estate planning platform for lawyers.  Over the years, one thing after another has prevented … Continue reading →

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Small Practice Management – Balancing Appointments, Signings and Cashflow

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Smilie G. Rogers

There was a time when I took calls and scheduled my own appointments.  As a solo, that an easy way to save money.  As my practice grew, there came a time when I could have shed that role but retained … Continue reading →

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SJC rules on Nadeau and Daley Cases

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Smilie G. Rogers

See https://mirickoconnelltrustsandestateslawblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/sjc-rules-on-nadeau-and-daley-cases/.  

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Planning for Pets

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Smilie G. Rogers

I was recently quoted in the Bangor Daily News in an article A Trust fund for a pooch? .  From time to time I do have clients interested in planning for their pets, though it is not a frequent request.   Thankfully … Continue reading →

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Age 70 1/2 Confusion for Retirement Accounts

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Smilie G. Rogers

This article from the Slott Report, https://www.irahelp.com/slottreport/age-70-%C2%BD-confusion-retirement-accounts, concisely explains the rules regarding when you have to take your first Required Minimum Distribution. Besides the Slott Report, another great resource for retirement planning is Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc. http://iraeducationcenter.com. Of course, … Continue reading →

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Nadeau v. Thorn, MA SJC-12205

Posted on January 28, 2017 by Smilie G. Rogers

MA Supreme  Judicial Court appeal hearing in Nadeau V. Thorn. 1-5-2017.  http://www.suffolk.edu/sjc/archive/2017/SJC_12205.html Summary: Administrative Law; MassHealth Benefits– Whether the settlor is entitled to MassHealth long-term care benefits where the settlor’s former residence is held in an irrevocable trust. This is an … Continue reading →

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THIS IS SERIOUS…

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Smilie G. Rogers

As Ming Ming on the Wonder Pets says (I am  the parent of 2 toddlers), THIS IS SERIOUS…a ten year lookback period for MaineCare Planning, block grants (when the State’s money runs out, MaineCare eligibility runs out). The long-term care … Continue reading →

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