First CELA-Certified Attorney in Rhode Island

Protect Your Rhode Island Family's Legacy in Just 2 Weeks

Skip the courthouse chaos. Work with Rhode Island's first Certified Elder Law Attorney to create an estate plan that actually protects your family from probate, nursing home costs, and family disputes.

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70+
Years Serving RI
1 of 5
CELAs in Rhode Island
2
Weeks to Complete

Watch: Why most estate plans fail (and how to fix yours)

The Problem

What Happens Without Proper Planning

Every year, Rhode Island families lose thousands to preventable probate costs, nursing home expenses, and bitter family disputes. Here's what's at stake:

6-18 Months in Probate Court

Without a proper trust, your family could spend over a year in Rhode Island probate court, paying attorneys fees while they grieve.

3-7% Lost to Court Fees

Probate costs eat away at your estate. A $500,000 estate could lose $15,000-$35,000 before your family sees a dime.

Family Disputes & Broken Relationships

Without clear instructions, even close families fight. Siblings stop speaking. Children feel slighted. Relationships never recover.

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The Solution

Estate Planning That Actually Protects You

We handle everything from start to finish. No confusion. No courthouse visits. Just peace of mind.

01

Complete Estate Planning Package

Everything you need to protect your family, created and signed in about two weeks.

  • Revocable Living Trust (avoid probate entirely)
  • Pour-Over Will (catches any assets outside trust)
  • Durable Power of Attorney (financial decisions)
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney (medical decisions)
  • HIPAA Authorization & Living Will
02

Elder Law & Asset Protection

Specialized strategies to protect your assets from nursing home costs and Medicaid spend-down.

  • Medicaid planning and qualification strategies
  • Irrevocable trusts for asset protection
  • Long-term care planning
  • VA benefits assistance for veterans
  • Family caregiver agreements
James C. Sullivan, Attorney
Certified Since
1988
Meet Your Attorney

James C. Sullivan

Second-generation attorney continuing a 70-year family legacy of protecting Rhode Island families. James was the first attorney in Rhode Island to achieve the Certified Elder Law Attorney designation - a credential held by only 5 attorneys in the entire state.

  • Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) First in Rhode Island, one of only 5 in the state
  • Harold B. Soloveitzik Professional Leadership Award Rhode Island Foundation, 2020
  • Dual Bar Admission Rhode Island (1988) & Massachusetts (1989)
  • Villanova University School of Law J.D. 1988 | Rhode Island Supreme Court Law Clerk
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Client Stories

What Our Clients Say

Real reviews from Rhode Island families who trusted Sullivan Estate Law.

"The professionalism and compassion shown by the entire team was outstanding. They made a difficult process feel manageable and gave us complete peace of mind."

MK
Michael K.
Google Review

"James made us feel comfortable from the very first meeting. He explained everything clearly and answered all our questions. The process was smooth and efficient."

SL
Sandra L.
Google Review

"We had put off estate planning for years. Sullivan Estate Law made it so easy - the whole process was completed in two weeks. Highly recommend!"

RP
Robert P.
Google Review

"As someone who needed Medicaid planning for my mother, James's CELA expertise was invaluable. He knew exactly how to protect her assets while qualifying for benefits."

DH
Diane H.
Google Review

"Knowledgeable and kind - that's how I'd describe the entire team. They treated my elderly parents with such respect and patience throughout the process."

JM
Jennifer M.
Google Review

"After my father passed, Sullivan Estate Law handled the estate administration flawlessly. No surprises, no drama - just professional, competent work."

TC
Thomas C.
Google Review
Is This Right For You?

Who We Work Best With

This Is For You If...

  • You own a home or have assets you want to pass to your children
  • You want to avoid Rhode Island probate court entirely
  • You have aging parents who need Medicaid or nursing home planning
  • You want to protect assets from potential nursing home costs
  • You need a business succession plan for your company
  • You value working with a certified specialist, not a generalist

This Is Not For You If...

  • You're looking for the cheapest option regardless of quality
  • You want a DIY solution or online template
  • You're not ready to make decisions about your estate
  • You're located outside Rhode Island or Massachusetts
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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the estate planning process take?

Most clients complete their estate plan in about two weeks. This includes the initial consultation, document drafting, review meeting, and final signing. We work efficiently while ensuring every detail is correct.

What is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)?

A CELA is an attorney who has demonstrated advanced knowledge in elder law through rigorous testing and peer review. Only about 500 attorneys nationwide hold this certification. James Sullivan was the first in Rhode Island to achieve this distinction.

Do I really need a trust, or is a will enough?

A will alone requires your estate to go through probate court, which can take 6-18 months and cost 3-7% of your estate. A properly funded trust allows your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries, avoiding probate entirely.

How can I protect my assets from nursing home costs?

There are legal strategies to protect assets while still qualifying for Medicaid. These include irrevocable trusts, family caregiver agreements, and proper timing of asset transfers. As a CELA, James specializes in these strategies.

What should I bring to my initial consultation?

We'll provide you with a checklist, but generally: a list of your assets (property, accounts, investments), any existing estate planning documents, life insurance policies, and a general idea of who you want as beneficiaries and trustees.

Get Started Today

Protect Your Family's Future

Schedule a free consultation with Rhode Island's first Certified Elder Law Attorney. No obligation. No pressure. Just answers to your estate planning questions.

Book Free Consultation Or Call: (401) 294-9556