About Mike
My Personal Journey
I didn’t become an estate planning attorney because I wanted a job—I became one because I had a mission. Watching my grandparents (to me, Nanny and Papa) grow older, I saw firsthand how crucial estate planning was to their peace of mind and to the security of our family. When my grandfather faced Alzheimer's dementia, the conversations we had about his wishes, his assets, and how grandmother needed help taking care of him really hit home. It wasn’t just about money; it was about love, respect, and making sure their legacy lived on.
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I've been practicing for almost 25 years; you can watch the "About Monteforte Law" video to learn more about why I'm so dedicated. We lost my grandfather in 2017, and my grandmother in 2019.We started a scholarship in my grandfather’s name, as a way to give back to my community and honor my grandfather’s legacy.
Those experiences ignited my passion for helping other families avoid the painful, expensive legal battles that can arise when there’s no plan in place. I know the emotional toll these situations can take on a family, and I’m committed to making sure your loved ones don’t have to go through that.
Over the course of my career, we have helped clients protect tens of millions of dollars in assets, and saved our clients millions in estate taxes. We have also obtained millions of dollars in long-term care benefits for our clients. My Firm also specializes in preparing applications for long-term care benefits through Medicaid and MassHealth. We have extensive experience in the MassHealth appeals process, and we have sued, and beaten, MassHealth in court many times.
I LOVE writing articles and books on estate and elder planning, and I am a published author of books on estate planning (Planning Ahead) now in its third edition; long-term care benefits (The Long Game); and planning for business owners (Your Business, Your Money).
I am a frequent public speaker at seminars and events. In fact, our seminars are the BEST way to get started on your planning.
Protecting What Matters Most
Estate planning can seem overwhelming, and it’s easy to push it off until "someday." But the reality is, failing to plan could mean losing everything you’ve worked so hard to build. I’ve seen families shattered because they didn’t have the right documents or guidance. That’s why I do what I do—to help you avoid the devastating consequences of not having a plan.
For me, estate planning isn’t just paperwork. It’s about protecting your family’s future and giving you the peace of mind that everything will be taken care of, even when you’re no longer here to do it yourself. Your family deserves that security.
We are about relationships, not transactions. We want to provide peace of mind and be Your Estate Planner for Life ®.
In 2024, I released the third edition of ‘Planning Ahead,’ which continues to serve as a vital resource for individuals and families looking to protect their assets. Additionally, our firm introduced the innovative 20/20 Hindsight Trust, a proprietary tool you won't find at any other law firm, designed to enhance the estate plans of our clients.
My Family
While it was my grandparents that got me into estate planning and elder law, there are three reasons why I get up every day: My wife Jill, and our two children, Gabriella and Michael. Jill and I have been together since college (1996 - yikes!) and we have been married for over 20 years. Jill works in the health care field. As of today, Gabby is 20 and Mikey is 19. Gabby is attending Quinnipiac University, in the advanced law program, so we will have another lawyer in our family soon.
Gabriella danced competitively for The Dance Company in Wilmington, MA, for 15 years, and is now a part of the Quinnipiac Dance Team. Mikey has played club baseball since he was 9 years old, and has traveled the world playing in baseball tournaments. Today, Mikey attends New England College in NH. He plays as a catcher on their baseball team, and studies business. In our free time, we love to travel and go on cruises.
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My Role at Monteforte Law, P.C.
As the CEO, I handle the “big picture” for the Firm, including the overall direction of the practice and daily coordination with my management team. I am responsible for training our attorneys and sharing my expertise with them. I created the Monteforte Law Wealth Preservation System to determine the best estate plans for our clients.
I limit Strategic Planning Sessions to high-income earners with substantial assets, while my highly trained associate attorneys handle the rest. They manage the initial process, drafting, document reviews, and signings, allowing me to focus on complex issues and educating the public. I devote time to writing books, articles, and blog posts, hosting our podcast, creating videos for our website and giving estate planning seminars.
My Background
Coming from humble beginnings in Everett and Malden, I attended Salem State University on the Presidential Scholarship for academics and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Salem State Honors Program in 1998.
I started Suffolk University Law School in Boston straight out of college, determined to finish in three years, despite having to work nights and weekends. I went to school with kids whose parents put them up in apartments near the school, while I was either taking the train or fighting the traffic. When not in class, I went to one of my two jobs.
Although I was exhausted most of the time, I graduated from Suffolk in 2001. I took the bar exam and got married in the same week (bar exam on Wednesday and Thursday, rehearsal dinner on Friday, and wedding on Sunday!) and still managed to pass on my first try. I was sworn into the Massachusetts Bar in January 2002. I am also sworn into the New York Bar (2014) as well as the New Hampshire Bar (2021).
Making a Difference
I chose to dedicate my career to estate planning because I want to make a real difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just about tax strategies and trusts—it’s about ensuring that your loved ones aren’t left with chaos and confusion. I believe that every family deserves to know that their hard-earned assets will be passed down in the way they envision.
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about your family, your future, and your peace of mind. I’m here to make sure that what matters most to you is safeguarded for generations to come.
Real Stories, Real Impact
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the relief on my clients' faces when they realize their legacy is secure. I’ve helped families navigate some of life’s toughest moments, and each time, it reaffirms why I chose this path. I remember working with a family whose father had been diagnosed with dementia. They were terrified of losing everything to medical expenses and long-term care costs, but by creating a comprehensive estate plan, we ensured that his legacy—and his family's future—were protected. Watch this video to see what one of my favorite clients, Priscilla, has to say about working with my Firm!
My Best Advice
Don’t wait until it’s too late. I know it’s tempting to put off planning for the future, but the truth is, none of us knows what tomorrow holds. The best place to start is to attend one of our amazing Free Seminars.
Affiliations & Awards
- Admitted January 2002, Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
- Admitted to Federal practice March 2006, US District Court, District of MA
- Admitted to US Tax Court
- Member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Federal & Massachusetts Chapters
- Holder of FCLE Certificate in Trust & Estate Planning
- Vetted and Approved by Secure Insight for real estate practice
- Lawyers of Distinction Recognized Excellence in Elder Law 2020 Award
- Lawyers of Distinction Recognized Excellence in Estate Planning Law 2021 Award, 2022 Award, 2023 Award & 2024 Award
- Top Rated Lawyers in New Hampshire 2021
- America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 10% 2021
- Boston Magazine Top Lawyers 2021
- Boston Magazine Top Lawyers 2022
- Boston Magazine Top Lawyers 2023
- Best Probate Lawyer in Lowell 2021
- Best Probate Lawyer in Somerville 2023
- Three-time Published Author