Barbara K. Wheaton

Barbara K. Wheaton

Trusts and Estates

5.0 (1 reviews)
Portland, Maine
38+ years experience
Pierce Atwood LLP
Updated:

Contact Information

Merrill's Wharf, 254 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
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Bio

Barbara Wheaton concentrates her legal practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, and related disciplines. Barbara's clients include high net worth individuals, business owners, family offices, charities and fiduciaries. She represents her clients' interests in probate proceedings involving trustee or executor duties, guardianships, trust administration and reformation, and contested estate administrations.Barbara also works extensively with nonprofit organizations, helping them obtain and retain their tax exempt status. She provides effective solutions to the tax and regulatory problems frequently confronting private foundations and public charities.Barbara speaks frequently to nonprofit boards about best governance practices and tax compliance. Barbara provides sophisticated, solution-driven estate planning services to high net worth individuals and their families. She frequently works with individuals who have special estate planning considerations, such as substantial real estate holdings, closely held businesses, retirement plan assets, intellectual property, and special family considerations. Barbara regularly employs advanced tax planning techniques to meet effectively her clients' personal, tax, and strategic objectives. Barbara Wheaton concentrates her legal practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, and related disciplines. Barbara's clients include high net worth individuals, business owners, family offices, charities and fiduciaries. She represents her clients' interests in probate proceedings involving trustee or executor duties, guardianships, trust administration and reformation, and contested estate administrations.Barbara also works extensively with nonprofit organizations, helping them obtain and retain their tax exempt status. She provides effective solutions to the tax and regulatory problems frequently confronting private foundations and public charities.Barbara speaks frequently to nonprofit boards about best governance practices and tax compliance. Barbara provides sophisticated, solution-driven estate planning services to high net worth individuals and their families. She frequently works with individuals who have special estate planning considerations, such as substantial real estate holdings, closely held businesses, retirement plan assets, intellectual property, and special family considerations. Barbara regularly employs advanced tax planning techniques to meet effectively her clients' personal, tax, and strategic objectives. Barbara Wheaton concentrates her legal practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, and related disciplines. Barbara's clients include high net worth individuals, business owners, family offices, charities and fiduciaries. She represents her clients' interests in probate proceedings involving trustee or executor duties, guardianships, trust administration and reformation, and contested estate administrations. Barbara also works extensively with nonprofit organizations, helping them obtain and retain their tax exempt status. She provides effective solutions to the tax and regulatory problems frequently confronting private foundations and public charities. Barbara speaks frequently to nonprofit boards about best governance practices and tax compliance. Barbara provides sophisticated, solution-driven estate planning services to high net worth individuals and their families. She frequently works with individuals who have special estate planning considerations, such as substantial real estate holdings, closely held businesses, retirement plan assets, intellectual property, and special family considerations. Barbara regularly employs advanced tax planning techniques to meet effectively her clients' personal, tax, and strategic objectives.

Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Trusts and Estates, Portland, ME (2026)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Portland, ME (2024)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Trusts and Estates, Portland, ME (2024)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Portland, ME (2022)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Tax Law, Portland, ME (2016)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Trusts and Estates, Portland, ME (2013)
  • Recognized: Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Recognized: Tax Law
  • Recognized: Trusts and Estates
  • Practice Area: Elder Law
  • Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” in Maine for Trusts and Estates (2013)
  • Best Lawyers in America® for Trusts and Estates (since 2003), Trusts and Estates Litigation (since 2014), Tax Law (since 2014), and Elder Law (since 2015)
  • Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” in Maine for Tax Law (2016)
  • Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” in Maine for Trusts & Estates Litigation (2022)
  • Chambers USA High Net Worth Guide: Top "Band 1" ranking in private wealth law in Maine (2016-present)
  • Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell.

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003

Education

  • Harvard University, J.D., graduated 1987
  • Bowdoin College, A.B., summa cum laude, graduated 1984

Reviews

J

Joseph Wright

2 weeks ago

A Masterful Guide Through Complex Estate Planning

After my father's passing, my siblings and I were faced with the daunting task of administering a complex family trust with significant assets and a charitable component. We engaged Barbara Wheaton on a recommendation, and it was the best decision we could have made. Her 38 years of experience were immediately evident. Barbara possesses a rare combination of deep technical knowledge in trusts and estates, which her recent 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions clearly affirm, and a genuine, calming personal touch. She meticulously guided us through every step of the administration, explaining intricate tax implications and fiduciary duties with remarkable clarity. Her background from Harvard Law and Bowdoin College shone through in her precise, strategic approach. Barbara didn't just execute documents; she crafted a thoughtful, efficient plan that honored my father's wishes, preserved family harmony, and optimized the charitable legacy. Her professionalism at Pierce Atwood is unmatched. For anyone in Maine navigating high-net-worth estate planning or administration, Barbara is simply the best.

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