McRae & Associates

- 107 Parsons Pond Dr, Portland, ME 04103

Navigating the complexities of estate and trust management, probate, or fiduciary responsibilities can be a challenging journey, particularly when it involves the care and finances of a loved one. For residents of Maine, finding a professional who is not only knowledgeable but also trustworthy and ethical is a top priority. This article provides an overview of McRae & Associates, a Portland, Maine-based firm specializing in these very areas. While some client experiences highlight a complex and challenging side of this work, the firm’s public information and professional background offer a fuller picture of their role as a provider of guardianship and fiduciary services.

McRae & Associates, led by Terri McRae, is a firm that focuses on providing specialized services in estate and trust management, probate, and fiduciary matters. Terri McRae herself is a National Certified Guardian with extensive experience in the field, having also served as the Register of Probate for Cumberland County, the largest probate court in Maine. This background gives her and her team a deep understanding of the intricacies of the state’s probate system. The firm positions itself as a resource for those who are struggling with the responsibilities of caring for a loved one, offering expertise in managing complex financial, medical, and legal situations.

However, the client reviews provided paint a starkly different and more difficult picture, pointing to a severe disagreement over payments for care services. This review, while a single data point, highlights the very serious and often contentious nature of fiduciary work, where the interests of various parties—the client, caregivers, and family members—can come into conflict. The review alleges "theft of services" and "unprofessional" and "shady behavior." Such strong claims, and the subsequent formal actions taken by the reviewer, point to a highly strained relationship and a deep conflict regarding the firm's handling of the client's finances. This serves as a reminder that a firm's role as a fiduciary is not always straightforward and can lead to serious disputes, even when the firm believes it is acting in the client's best interest. It underscores the critical importance of transparency, clear communication, and accountability in this sensitive field.

The location and accessibility of a law firm are important for clients, especially those who may be dealing with the care of an elderly or incapacitated loved one. McRae & Associates is conveniently located at 107 Parsons Pond Dr, Portland, ME 04103, USA. This location is easily accessible for residents in and around the Portland area.

The firm is committed to ensuring its facilities are accessible to everyone. The office features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These accommodations are essential for a practice that serves clients who may have mobility issues or are caring for individuals with physical disabilities. A general restroom is also available for all visitors. To ensure that each client receives the focused attention they need, the firm operates on an appointments-recommended basis. This practice helps to ensure that meetings are not rushed and that a dedicated professional is available to give your legal matter the time and consideration it deserves.

Based on the available public information, McRae & Associates focuses its services on a very specific and critical area of the law, primarily dealing with the management of trusts and estates for others.

Services Offered:

• Estate And Trust Management

• Fiduciary Services

• Probate Procedure

• Case Studies

• Guardianship and Conservatorship (Inferred from professional experience)

The firm’s work is deeply embedded in the probate process, handling the legal and financial affairs for individuals who are unable to do so themselves. This can involve serving as a Power of Attorney, trustee, guardian, or conservator, and navigating the legal requirements of each role. The inclusion of "Case Studies" in their service list suggests a practice of demonstrating their professional approach to various client situations, which can be a valuable tool for potential clients to understand their methodology.

McRae & Associates and its leader, Terri McRae, have several features that define their professional identity, but these must be considered alongside all available information.

Features and Highlights:

• Extensive Professional Experience: Terri McRae’s background as a National Certified Guardian and former Register of Probate for Cumberland County provides her with a high level of expertise in the legal systems she navigates. This experience is a significant asset for the firm.

• Specialized Fiduciary Focus: The firm’s exclusive focus on fiduciary services, estate and trust management, and probate means they are not general practitioners. This specialization can be a benefit for clients with complex needs in these areas.

• Commitment to Accessibility: The provision of a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom demonstrates a practical commitment to serving all community members, an important feature for a practice dealing with aging or disabled clients.

• Controversial Client Experiences: The provided reviews highlight a serious and negative client experience. This is a crucial data point that suggests that the firm's practices, at least in one case, have led to significant dissatisfaction and legal conflict. It underscores the potential for highly contentious relationships in fiduciary roles.

For those who wish to inquire about the firm’s services, here is the contact information for McRae & Associates.

Contact Information:

Address: 107 Parsons Pond Dr, Portland, ME 04103, USA

Phone: (207) 797-2371

When it comes to choosing an attorney, what is worth choosing is a professional with a proven track record of ethical and effective service, and a clear understanding of the sensitive nature of the work. For Mainers, particularly those seeking help with estate, trust, or fiduciary matters, it is crucial to conduct extensive research and consider all available information. McRae & Associates, led by Terri McRae, has a background and professional certifications that suggest a deep expertise in this specialized field. However, the provided client review raises serious concerns about accountability and professional conduct.

The reviewer’s claims of rudeness, unprofessionalism, and "theft of services" are a stark contrast to the professional image of a firm that handles sensitive matters of trust and care. While it is important to remember that this is one side of a story, it is a significant one. For anyone considering hiring a fiduciary or a firm for probate services, this review underscores the necessity of clear, written agreements, a meticulous understanding of the fee structure, and a strong sense of trust. In this particular field, where professionals are entrusted with the financial well-being of others, that trust is everything. For a Mainer seeking help in this area, the information provided suggests that while the firm may have the professional qualifications, a thorough vetting process and open communication are absolutely essential before proceeding.

McRae & Associates

107 Parsons Pond Dr, Portland, ME 04103, USA