Meredith A. Havard
Meredith’s focus is at the intersection of law and some of life’s most difficult moments. She helps clients when their loved one can no longer make decisions independently, when the administration of an estate becomes overwhelming, or when disputes arise over how someone’s wishes should be carried out. Known for her thoughtful and steady approach, Meredith helps clients navigate these highly personal matters with practical guidance and empathy.
Meredith concentrates her practice on guardianships, conservatorships, estate and trust administration, and estate planning, and she brings significant experience handling complex matters before the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. She regularly represents individuals and fiduciaries in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings and advises clients through the many legal and practical challenges that arise when someone can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs. Her work includes fiduciary litigation, trust disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and will contests—matters that require both legal precision and a thoughtful understanding of family dynamics.
In her estate and trust administration practice, Meredith manages the full lifecycle of both simple and complex estates and trusts. She prepares probate filings, oversees asset valuation and distribution, advises on estate tax matters, and guides fiduciaries through accountings, settlements, and court approvals.
In addition to representing individuals and fiduciaries, Meredith has experience working with hospitals and skilled nursing facilities in guardianship and conservatorship matters, helping ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the care and decision-making support they need.
Meredith is known for guiding clients through emotionally charged circumstances with patience, empathy, and clear communication. Whether assisting a family overwhelmed by the responsibilities of estate administration or advocating in court to protect an individual’s wishes, she focuses on making complex legal processes understandable and manageable.
Guided Family Through Contested Guardianship of Adult Child
Represented parents in a contested guardianship proceeding involving their adult child, including the request for authority to make certain medical decisions. Helped navigate sensitive discussions around establishing a limited guardianship and worked toward a balanced resolution that protected the individual’s needs while addressing the family’s concerns.
Secured Appointment of Personal Representative Over Competing Spousal Claim
Represented a client seeking appointment to manage a loved one’s estate following their passing. Successfully demonstrated that the client had priority to serve in this role and that a competing claim by the surviving spouse was not valid under the terms of a prenuptial agreement.
Defense of Trustee Against Removal Petition
Represented a trustee in Probate Court in response to a beneficiary’s petition seeking removal based on alleged mismanagement. Through detailed factual analysis and strategic procedural challenges, successfully exposed deficiencies in the petition, resulting in dismissal of the action
Ancillary Probate for Out-of-State Estate with Massachusetts Property
Represented the estate of an individual who lived outside of Massachusetts but owned property in the Commonwealth. Guided the estate through the required Massachusetts probate process and resolved related tax and administrative issues to ensure the property could be properly managed and transferred.
Education
- JD, Suffolk University Law School
- BA, Gettysburg College
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
Experience recognized
- Senior Partners for Justice/ VLP Meg Connelly MVP Award, 2015
