Thoughtful. Personable. Compassionate.
Meredith M. Maller is a seasoned trusts and estates attorney at Bernstein Shur, dedicated to helping individuals and families secure their financial legacies.
A seventh-generation Mainer with deep roots on Mount Desert Island, Meredith combines her extensive background in finance, taxation, and wealth transfer vehicles to provide comprehensive estate planning services. Her client-centric approach ensures that each plan is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of her clients.
What she's great at
Meredith advises individuals and families on estate planning, wealth transfer, and charitable giving, with a focus on:
- Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer:
- Crafting and implementing complex estate plans, including revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, irrevocable life insurance trusts, spousal lifetime access trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, charitable trusts, and domestic asset protection trusts.
- Protecting vacation homes and cottages for multi-generational use.
- Non-Traditional Asset Planning:
- Advising on assets such as art, cryptocurrency, intellectual property, yachts, collectibles, and private planes.
- Drafting documents for domestic affairs, including employment agreements for household staff and confidentiality agreements.
- Marital Agreements and Charitable Planning:
- Drafting and negotiating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
- Establishing and managing private foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other charitable entities.
Her holistic approach integrates asset allocation, risk management, and tax minimization strategies to align with her clients’ estate planning objectives.
How she delivers
Meredith is known for her thoughtful and compassionate approach, working closely with clients to navigate the complexities of generational wealth planning. She emphasizes the importance of educating the next generation on wealth management and stewardship, ensuring a lasting legacy.
Why you'll enjoy working with her
Clients appreciate Meredith’s calm and measured guidance, her ability to simplify complex legal concepts, and her dedication to crafting personalized solutions that reflect their values and aspirations.
Who she is off the clock
Outside of her legal practice, Meredith enjoys hiking and sailing in Acadia National Park, smoking brisket, learning to play pickleball, and engaging in needlepoint projects.