Since 1945,

Connecticut individuals, familes, and business owners have turned to us for sound legal guidance.

We serve the complex needs of our clients throughout the many stages in their lives.

Since 1945,

Connecticut individuals, familes, and business owners have turned to us for sound legal guidance.

We serve the complex needs of our clients throughout the many stages in their lives.

Law Firm in Connecticut

Estate planning can feel overwhelming to a lot of people — it’s part of the reason why so few people have created their estate plans. Another reason is that it can be difficult to contend with the concept of our own mortality. But the future is coming, one day at a time, and we need to prepare for it. By establishing a comprehensive estate plan, you can better safeguard your interests, hard-earned assets, legacy, and final wishes today and into the future.

Our Connecticut law firm has extensive experience representing clients interested in creating, revising, or disputing estate planning documents. As your legal representatives, we will make every effort to guide you throughout the entire process and simplify matters for you and your family members.

Contact our law offices to schedule your initial consultation today. In your case review, we will discuss your goals, financial abilities, family dynamics, charitable desires, health, long-term care planning, and more. In addition to estate planning, our legal team has experience in business law and real estate transactions.

Our financial planner referred us to attorney Catherine Craig for estate planning work; Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Health Directive. In short, Kate was AWESOME to work with. She met with us to review our needs, provided consultative service and then went to work. In short order she wrote up our documents. We then met and she took time to walk us through the information and answer all our questions. Cate provided exceptional service and a fair price, highly recommended!

– Chuck G.

Meet Our Team

Robert A. Scalise, Jr.

Principal attorney

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Stephen L. Mangan

Principal attorney

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Contact Us to Schedule an In-Depth Evaluation with Our Connecticut Law Firm

The Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan, PC have two law offices located in Connecticut.

Our New Britain, Connecticut, offices are located a short 5-minute drive from Walnut Hill Park, 5 minutes from the New Britain Museum of American Art, and 8 minutes from Stanley Quarter Park. Bradley International Airport (BDL) is only 28 minutes away by car.

You may also find us at our law offices in Avon, Connecticut. Our Avon law office is located 5 minutes from Simsbury Commons, 7 minutes from Fisher Meadows, and 13 minutes from Buckingham Park. Bradley International Airport (BDL) is only 25 minutes away.

Whatever legal matter brings you to us today, we pride ourselves on providing you and our other clients with comprehensive and empathetic legal services. There is no case too complex or too simple for us to handle. To learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation today.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan, PC

Experienced and Skilled Attorneys:

Our law firm is dedicated to assisting clients with estate matters, business interests, elder law cases, and real estate deals. We have extensive experience and are highly skilled in each of these practice areas, ensuring you receive top-notch representation.

Comprehensive Estate Planning

We offer guidance in establishing and managing living trusts, irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, and domestic asset protection trusts. Our team can explore various asset protection strategies tailored to your needs, providing thorough estate and trust administration.

Real Estate Representation

With experience in residential and commercial purchases and refinances, we handle all aspects of real estate transactions. Our legal assistance ensures smooth and successful deals, whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a property.

Client-Centered Approach

We approach each case with empathy and respect, understanding that these are not merely legal matters but significant aspects of your life and livelihood. Our commitment is to provide personalized and compassionate legal support.

Statewide Service

While our offices are located in Avon and New Britain, Connecticut, we proudly serve clients across the entire state. Whatever your legal matter, we are dedicated to representing your interests and achieving the best possible outcome.

Accessible and Responsive

We invite you to learn more about our legal services by scheduling an initial consultation. Reach our New Britain office at 860-854-3809 or our Avon office at 860-854-3545. Our line of communication is always open, so you know what to expect and are always in the loop!

Legal Insights

Setting Up a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT): Key ConsiderationsJanuary 1, 2025
What Is a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust? A spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) is a type of trust that can help high-worth estates protect assets from federal estate and gift taxes. Currently, there’s an exemption for individuals of up to $13.61 million and couples of up to $27.22 million. The amount changes every year, and
Understanding the Benefits of Establishing a Living TrustNovember 1, 2024
What Makes Living Trusts Popular Estate Planning Instruments? Estate planning is key to securing your financial legacy and making certain your wishes are carried out after you’re gone. Living trusts present a powerful and flexible planning option for many individuals. These legal instruments offer a wide range of benefits, from avoiding probate to maintaining privacy
What Are the Key Benefits of Using Irrevocable Trusts for Medicaid Planning?September 1, 2024
What Is an Irrevocable Trust? Trusts are often vital components of estate plans. Different types of trusts play varying roles, depending on the size and complexity of the estate. In general, they help families avoid probate court, as anything in a trust is not subject to probate. There are revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts. A

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FAQs

What is the probate process?

After a person dies in Connecticut, their estate and remaining assets go through the probate process. Probate can be a long, complicated, and costly legal process, one that is made all the more difficult by the fact that surviving family members are likely in a state of grief after the loss of their loved one. During the probate process, the executor of the estate inventories estate assets, settles debts, pays estate taxes, and distributes assets according to the final wishes of the testator.

What happens if you die without a will in Connecticut?

When you die without a will in the state of Connecticut, this is known as passing away intestate. In intestate cases, an application for appointment of an estate administrator must be filed with the probate court in the district where the deceased resided at the time of their death. This is usually accomplished by the decedent’s surviving spouse, adult child, or sibling. The estate administrator has the same responsibilities as an estate executor. However, instead of a will designating beneficiaries, assets will be distributed according to state laws. In many cases, this results in spouses and children recovering most or all of the estate assets.

What legal considerations should a landlord keep in mind when drafting a commercial lease agreement?

When drafting a commercial lease agreement, landlords must address several key legal considerations. Clearly define the lease term, including renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Specify permitted uses of the property to avoid tenant disputes. Include maintenance responsibilities and outline procedures for handling repairs. For instance, a landlord might require the tenant to maintain HVAC systems but agree to cover structural repairs. A Connecticut real estate attorney can help draft a comprehensive lease that protects your best interests and complies with the necessary legal requirements.

What factors should a new business consider when choosing its legal structure?

Choosing the right legal structure is crucial for a new business. Key factors include liability protection, taxation, and administrative complexity. Sole proprietorships and partnerships offer simplicity but expose owners to personal liability. In contrast, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) provides liability protection while allowing flexible tax options, making it a popular choice. Corporations, including S-Corps and C-Corps, offer strong liability protection and potential tax benefits but require more rigorous compliance and record-keeping. For example, a tech startup might choose an LLC for its ease of management and liability shield, then convert to a C-Corp as it seeks venture capital. Consulting with a business attorney in Connecticut can help determine the best structure based on specific needs and goals.

What are the different types of trusts available to Connecticut residents?

While a last will and testament is often considered the foundation upon which an estate plan is built, there are several trusts that may benefit your estate plan as well. These include asset protection trusts, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, life insurance trusts, special needs trusts, charitable trusts, dynasty trusts, bypass trusts, testamentary trusts, and spendthrift trusts. What type of trust most benefits you and your specific needs can be determined after speaking with our estate plan lawyers.

When should you create an estate plan?

Many people put off estate planning until after either something incredible or terrible happens to them or their family. But you need to take the initiative and start planning now. Everyone over the age of 18 should have an estate plan in the state of Connecticut. And remember, estate plans are not exclusive to matters related to death. With certain estate plan documents like a power of attorney document or an advanced healthcare directive, you can plan for instances of incapacitation in case you cannot speak for yourself due to illness or injury. Don’t delay beginning your estate plan any longer. Now is all the time you have.

How often should you update your estate plan?

Estate plans should be regularly updated in order to stay relevant and in good working order. Our lives are always changing, as are the people in them. If your estate plan is more than three years old, there’s a pretty good chance it’s probably out of date and deserves to be revised. We recommend that clients consider updating their estate plans every year or so. But there are certain major life events that may call for an estate planning document to be updated sooner rather than later. Examples include the death of a beneficiary, marriage, divorce, remarriage, financial gains or financial losses, and the birth of a new child.

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