Jana Magnuson

Jana Magnuson

Trusts and Estates

3.0 (1 reviews)
Portland, Maine
18+ years experience
Drummond Woodsum
Updated:

Contact Information

84 Marginal Way, Suite 600, Portland, ME 04101-2480
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Bio

Jana Magnuson advises individuals, couples, and families with respect to estate planning, including the preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, durable financial powers of attorney, and health care directives. She understands that clients find themselves stuck with respect to these important decisions and documents, and enjoys working to clarify their decision-making so that they can move forward with confidence about their futures and the future of their family members and other beneficiaries. Jana regularly assists clients to achieve varied objectives such as gifting, tax reduction, property ownership and management, and protection of assets for children and others. Jana also represents fiduciaries such as personal representatives and trustees with respect to their powers, rights, and duties in probate and trust administrations. And when existing trusts no longer fit a client’s financial or life circumstances, she advises trustees and beneficiaries on options for trust modification or termination, whether by agreement, Court procedure, or other legal authority.Jana is recognized by her peers and leaders in her area of law through her rankings by Chambers (Private Wealth Law) and Best Lawyers in America (Trusts and Estates Law). She has been recognized for her pro bono work with terminally ill clients. She is a current or past member of the Maine Estate Planning Council, Maine State Bar Association, University of Southern Maine Foundation Finance Committee, Edward T. Gignoux Inn of Court, Maine Medical Center Community Ambassador’s Council (past Chair), and Portland String Quartet Society (past President).Jana is a Yarmouth, Maine native who has lived in Portland for more than 20 years. Jana Magnuson advises individuals, couples, and families with respect to estate planning, including the preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, durable financial powers of attorney, and health care directives. She understands that clients find themselves stuck with respect to these important decisions and documents, and enjoys working to clarify their decision-making so that they can move forward with confidence about their futures and the future of their family members and other beneficiaries. Jana regularly assists clients to achieve varied objectives such as gifting, tax reduction, property ownership and management, and protection of assets for children and others. Jana also represents fiduciaries such as personal representatives and trustees with respect to their powers, rights, and duties in probate and trust administrations. And when existing trusts no longer fit a client’s financial or life circumstances, she advises trustees and beneficiaries on options for trust modification or termination, whether by agreement, Court procedure, or other legal authority.Jana is recognized by her peers and leaders in her area of law through her rankings by Chambers (Private Wealth Law) and Best Lawyers in America (Trusts and Estates Law). She has been recognized for her pro bono work with terminally ill clients. She is a current or past member of the Maine Estate Planning Council, Maine State Bar Association, University of Southern Maine Foundation Finance Committee, Edward T. Gignoux Inn of Court, Maine Medical Center Community Ambassador’s Council (past Chair), and Portland String Quartet Society (past President).Jana is a Yarmouth, Maine native who has lived in Portland for more than 20 years. Jana Magnuson advises individuals, couples, and families with respect to estate planning, including the preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, durable financial powers of attorney, and health care directives. She understands that clients find themselves stuck with respect to these important decisions and documents, and enjoys working to clarify their decision-making so that they can move forward with confidence about their futures and the future of their family members and other beneficiaries. Jana regularly assists clients to achieve varied objectives such as gifting, tax reduction, property ownership and management, and protection of assets for children and others. Jana also represents fiduciaries such as personal representatives and trustees with respect to their powers, rights, and duties in probate and trust administrations. And when existing trusts no longer fit a client’s financial or life circumstances, she advises trustees and beneficiaries on options for trust modification or termination, whether by agreement, Court procedure, or other legal authority. Jana is recognized by her peers and leaders in her area of law through her rankings by Chambers (Private Wealth Law) and Best Lawyers in America (Trusts and Estates Law). She has been recognized for her pro bono work with terminally ill clients. She is a current or past member of the Maine Estate Planning Council, Maine State Bar Association, University of Southern Maine Foundation Finance Committee, Edward T. Gignoux Inn of Court, Maine Medical Center Community Ambassador’s Council (past Chair), and Portland String Quartet Society (past President). Jana is a Yarmouth, Maine native who has lived in Portland for more than 20 years.

Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized: Trusts and Estates
  • Recognized by Chambers High Net Worth Guide for Private Wealth Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2022

Education

  • University of Maine School of Law, J.D., cum laude, graduated 2007
  • Duke University, A.B., cum laude

Reviews

K

Kathleen Walker

2 weeks ago

Competent estate planning, but communication could improve

Jana Magnuson at Drummond Woodsum handled the update of our family's estate plan, including a complex irrevocable trust for our children. Her 18 years of experience and recognition in Chambers for Private Wealth Law are evident; she is clearly knowledgeable and the documents she prepared are thorough. Our scenario involved navigating Maine's specific laws alongside out-of-state property, which she managed competently. However, the process felt somewhat transactional. Response times to emails were occasionally slower than expected, sometimes stretching to several business days, which created minor anxiety during time-sensitive decisions. While we are confident in the legal work product, the client experience felt more adequate than exceptional. For straightforward, high-quality drafting, she is a solid choice, but those prioritizing frequent, proactive communication might find the pace frustrating.

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