Rosemary Jones — A Different Type of Law Firm

When Rosemary B. Jones first graduated from college, she took a job practicing environmental law. As a top student, Jones had a passion for the environment and planned on making a full time career of it. Soon she realized environmental law was all about the stats and centered mainly on corporate law.

Thus, Jones decided to turn her focus to something more personal, where she could maintain a one-on-one relationship with her clients. Jones handles cases dealing with real estate and probate, but for the last 12 years her business has concentrated on Elder Law and Estate Planning.

Jones is one of 11 attorneys in the state certified in Elder Law. Certified attorneys must log 75 hours of continuing education every five years.

Along with her qualifications, Jones has been picked by her peers as one of Connecticut’s Super Lawyers twice, in 2008 and again last year (2010).

Jones relocated her law practice to Federal Road in Brookfield last year.

Clients can expect to discuss their hopes and dreams with Jones for the future, and thereby benefit from having a “long-term relationship,” with her “so their legal documents will reflect those values.”

“There are dynamics within a family,” Jones said, “And it is helpful to interview and understand all parties involved.”

This is especially helpful when a parent or parents are preparing a will involving several family members, as to “prevent fighting and shattering within the family” which happens all too often.

Jones recommends anyone over the age of 18 to consider having a living will and trust, for healthcare or specific medical decisions.

The goal of the law office is to create a comfortable environment for clients while providing the latest information. Jones offers an online quarterly newsletter, which provides additional information on new tax laws from other specialists as well. 

Jones, maintains a friendly, full time staff, who along with her, offer a series called “Coffee and Conversation” periodically on Fridays. Clients and friends are invited to talk, share and gain more information on timely topics of interest. 

The last series, titled “What to do when you really need to sell your home,” was held on March 18.

Recently, Jones attended a symposium in Chicago geared towards solutions for “today’s most challenging estate planning and elder law issues,” as she put it. People may be under the impression that little can be done in the event of sudden death or illness if no wills or trusts have been made, however, according to Jones, “there are ways couples can protect their money when a crisis occurs.”

Currently, should one spouse become deceased, the law entitles their partner to their home, car, pre-paid funeral expenses and approximately $100,000. There are also special rules that allow children taking care of parents to gain ownership of assets.

When Jones is not working, she is active in community issues and events. She is active with the and is currently working with the Senior Center on access to transportation for the elderly, as not all seniors are able to travel on the local Sweetheart buses, due to health concerns.

Jones is working with volunteers to organize rides for seniors, “mainly to Doctors visits,” she explained.

For more information or to inquire about receiving the online newsletter, call Jones at her office at 203-775-2675.