Marlee S. Cowan
Marlee is a trusted advisor and tenacious advocate for individuals and families navigating emotionally charged and complex probate disputes.
With a practice centered on contested matters—such as guardianships, conservatorships, will and trust disputes, breaches of fiduciary duty, and estate administration—Marlee helps clients protect vulnerable loved ones, honor final wishes, and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Marlee’s path to this work began with a deep commitment to human rights. Early in her legal career, she discovered a calling in estate litigation, where her advocacy skills and passion for justice found a natural fit. Today, she is known for guiding clients through moments of personal crisis with empathy, clarity, and strategic focus. Whether representing a fiduciary needing legal guidance or a family seeking to challenge questionable estate planning documents, Marlee works to secure just outcomes while being mindful of family dynamics and long-term relationships.
In addition to her litigation practice, Marlee advises on estate planning, trust administration, real estate, and tax matters, offering holistic support to individuals and families across a range of personal and financial concerns. She is responsive, deadline-driven, and dedicated to resolving disputes efficiently, when possible, while remaining a fierce advocate when litigation is required.
Marlee is active in the community and brings a values-driven approach to every matter she handles—advocating for safety, dignity, and fairness at every step.
Defending a Surviving Spouse in an Intra-Family Estate Dispute
Successfully negotiated a settlement on behalf of the surviving spouse when the children of a deceased spouse filed suit to recover assets allegedly taken during the marriage.
Stopping Financial Exploitation Through Conservatorship Intervention
In a conservatorship dispute involving elder financial abuse by a family member, secured the return of misappropriated funds and implemented safeguards to prevent further exploitation.
Upholding an Elder’s Estate Plan Against Challenge by Estranged Relative
Helped a longtime family friend defend the estate plan of a deceased elder in a challenge brought by an estranged family member. The plan was upheld and carried out according to the elder’s wishes.
Resolving a Sibling Dispute Over Improper Lifetime Transfers
Guided a group of siblings through an estate dispute after discovering that another sibling had misappropriated assets from their parent before death. The matter concluded in settlement.
Safeguarding an Elder Exploited by a Romance Scam
In response to a romance scam targeting an elder, obtained the appointment of a guardian and conservator to protect the elder’s finances and well-being.
Restoring Access to an Isolated Elder Through Guardianship Litigation
Advocated for family members denied access to an elder by another relative. The court appointed a guardian and restored visitation rights for the concerned family.
Navigating a Contested Guardianship for a Special Needs Child
Resolved a guardianship dispute between parents of a special needs child through settlement, ensuring appropriate care and decision-making authority were established.
Establishing Guardianship During a Mental Health Emergency
Supported parents in securing guardianship of their adult child during a psychiatric crisis, leading to successful placement in a treatment facility.
Providing Stability for a Grandchild Amid Parental Addiction
Helped grandparents obtain guardianship of their granddaughter due to the parents’ inability to care for her as a result of substance abuse. Guardianship was granted by the court.
Education
- JD, New England Law
- BA, University of California, Berkeley, International Relations and Human Rights Protection
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
Experience recognized
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers, 2025-2026
- Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Trusts and Estates, 2022-2025
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2015-2023
- MVP Award GW2 Chapter, 4th Annual Night of 500 Stars Gala
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers List, 2025
- Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Trusts and Estates, 2022-2024
Experience in practice
Understanding Hornibrook v. Richard and Conservator Immunity
Leading Panel on Divorce and Trust Law at BBA Webinar
- How to Terminate an Adult Guardianship or Conservatorship Based on Restoration of Rights, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (March 2025, Co-Chair)
- Sophisticated Issues in Guardianships and Conservatorships, 12th Annual Probate Law Conference, Massachusetts Bar Association (November 2024, Presenter)
- Navigating Changes to the Powers of a Guardian or Conservator and Alternatives to Guardianship, Massachusetts Guardianship Association Annual Conference, Social Law Library (October 2024, Panelist)
- Administering Poorly Drafted Trusts, Boston Bar Association (May 2024, Speaker)
- End of Life Decision Making in Guardianships: Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape, Annual Meeting, Massachusetts Guardianship Association (January 2024, Speaker)
- Contested Conservatorships, Guardianship & Conservatorship: MCLE BasicsPlus! (November 2023, Speaker)
- Guardianships Involving Contested Transfers to SNFs, IPs Freedom and Activities, Issues of Family Involvement, Massachusetts Bar Association Probate Conference (November 2023, Speaker)
- Representing Clients in Cases Involving Rogers/Medical Treatment Decisions, MBA Probate Conference (November 2022, Speaker)
- Contested Conservatorships, Guardianship & Conservatorship: MCLE BasicsPlus! (November 2022, Speaker)
- A Fresh Look at Guardianships, Conservatorships, Commitments and End of Life Care, The Social Law Library and Massachusetts Guardianship Association (September 2022, Moderator)
- Hornibrook v. Richard: Conservator as A Quasi-Judicial Officer Explained (Or Not!), Massachusetts Bar Association (February 2022, Co-Author)
- The Messy Intersection of Divorce and Trust Law – Everything but Pfannenstiehl, Boston Bar Association (February 2022, Moderator)
- Tax Liens and Liens Arising from Death, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, (Co-Author)
- Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act, MCLE: Guardianship and Conservatorship Practice Under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (Co-Author)
- Proving Testamentary Capacity at Trial, Boston Bar Association (April 2021, Moderator)
- Estate Planning with Seniors During COVID-19: Undue Influence, Incapacity & Best Practices, Boston Bar Association (November 2020, Moderator)
- Legal Issues Related to Planning for Incapacity and End-of-Life, Sharon Public Library (May 2020, Presenter)
- Guardians and Conservators: Stories to Help You and Your Clients Make Some of Estate Planning’s Hardest Decisions, Trusts and Estates Consortium (January 2020, Presenter)
- Navigating Probate & Estate Administration: Assisting Litigants Through the Probate and Family Court and the Estate Administration Process, MCLE (June 2019, Speaker)
- Diminished Capacity and Your Professional Responsibility, Elder Care Consortium, USA500 (May 2019, Presenter)
- Diminished Capacity and Your Professional Responsibility, Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts (May 2019, Presenter)
- Fundamentals of Estate Planning – Part One, Boston Estate Planning Council (February 2019, Presenter)
- Substituted Judgment, MOLST Orders and End of Life Decisions by Guardians, 6th Annual Probate Law Conference, Massachusetts Bar Association (November 2018, Speaker)
- Clients Who Are Potential Elder Fraud or Financial Exploitation Victims: Identifying Red Flags and What Attorneys Can Do, Boston Bar Association (November 2018, Presenter)
- Diminished Capacity in Clients and What to Do About It, Trusts and Estates Consortium (September 2018, Speaker)
- Who, What, When, Where, Why – Payment of Fees for Guardians, Conservators and Trustees, Plan of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Annual Conference (June 2018, Speaker)
- Navigating Probate Administration, MCLE (May 2018, Speaker)
- The Probate and Administration of Estates in Massachusetts, MCLE Practical Lawyer Skills (February 2018, Presenter)
- Speed Dating – Recent State and National Cases Concerning Elders, HalfMoon Education Inc. (October 2016, Panelist)
- Basic Estate Planning, Boston Tax Institute (June 2016, Speaker)
- Massachusetts Guardianship Association (MGA) Member Advisory Board, Former President and Vice President Board of Directors, Former Co-Chair MGA/Social Law Library Annual Guardianship Conference
- Boston Bar Association, Former Representative to Elder Justice Innovation Grant Advisory Committee, Former Co-Chair Fiduciary Litigation Section, Former Volunteer Virtual Hearing Resources Guides
- USA500 Clubs, Member FD1, Former Club Development Director GW2, Former Member Membership Experience Committee, Former Co-Chair Rising Stars Roundtable, Former Member Elder Care Roundtable
- Boston Estate Planning Council (BEPC), Member Legislative Committee, Member BEPC Excellence Award Selection Committee, Member Budget Finance Committee, Former Member Board of Directors, Former Chair Governance Committee, Former Chair Member Involvement Committee, Former Member BEPC Tomorrow Committee, Former Member Sponsorship Committee
- Massachusetts Bar Association, Co-Chair, Probate Law Section Council, Co-Chair, Probate Council (Member of MUPC Technical Corrections Subcommittee), Former Member Trust Administration Practice Group, Committee for the Advancement of the Probate and Family Court (Treasurer and Chair of Media & Outreach Subcommittee).
- MOLST Advisory Group, Former Member
- National Guardianship Association
- Boston Probate & Estate Planning Forum
- Greater Boston Fiduciary Law American Inn of Court, Board
- De Novo (f/k/a Community Legal Services and Counsel Center) represented refugees seeking asylum in the United States, Former Volunteer Attorney
Globe-Trotting Adventures
Avid travelers, Marlee and her family have explored destinations as diverse as Kenya, Sri Lanka, Canada, Mexico, and Peru.
Sideline Supporter
Weekends are often spent cheering on her kids at soccer and basketball games, where she’s a dedicated presence in the stands.
Trail Time
Hiking and camping are favorite pastimes for Marlee’s family—including their dog—who all relish unplugging in the outdoors whenever time allows.
Story Lover & Screen Enthusiast
A fan of historical fiction, Marlee always has a good book nearby. She also enjoys winding down with great TV—especially during her daily train commute.
Culinary Explorer
Whether experimenting in the kitchen or discovering new dishes at restaurants, Marlee and her family share a love for bold, global flavors.