CONNELLY LAW
Serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut
401-724-9400
Southern New England's Certified Elder Law Attorney
Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts
Attorney RJ Connelly III
Attorney Connelly specializes in elder law, a nuanced area of legal practice that addresses the intricate issues impacting older individuals and their families. His expertise encompasses Medicaid Planning and Crisis Planning, a critical component for those seeking access to nursing home care without jeopardizing their financial resources. He offers comprehensive asset protection strategies designed to assist clients in safeguarding their finances while preparing for the potential need for long-term care. In addition to matters related to Medicaid, Attorney Connelly provides expert guidance on establishing and utilizing powers of attorney. These legal instruments are essential for planning against possible future disabilities, as they empower designated individuals to make healthcare and financial decisions on behalf of clients who may become
incapable of doing so. He adeptly navigates the complexities of guardianship law, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the necessary care and support.
Estate planning represents another fundamental aspect of Attorney Connelly's practice. He prepares essential legal documents, including wills, living trusts, and special or supplemental needs trusts, which are specifically structured to benefit individuals with disabilities. His extensive proficiency in probate and estate administration enables him to assist clients through the often intricate probate court processes, whether in contested or uncontested matters.
In addition to his role as an attorney, Attorney Connelly is also a professional fiduciary. Professional fiduciaries fulfill a vital role in managing financial and healthcare decisions for clients who may be confronted with cognitive impairments or other challenges, such as Alzheimer's disease. These professionals possess the necessary experience and resources to oversee a diverse array of services, including bill payment, legal and investment management, medical care coordination, housing arrangements, and nutritional support.
Attorney Connelly's fiduciary services are extensive and varied. He possesses considerable expertise in serving as a trustee, attorney-in-fact, or representative payee, thereby overseeing the financial and healthcare affairs of clients as required. In these capacities, his primary objective is to ensure that the rights and interests of individuals, particularly the elderly, are safeguarded in sensitive situations.
His practice primarily caters to clients in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, where he has established a reputation for professional excellence. In 2008, he received certification as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). This distinguished designation acknowledges attorneys with exceptional skill and significant engagement in elder law. Notably, he was the third attorney in Rhode Island to attain this certification and remains the sole practicing CELA in Providence County, underscoring his commitment and expertise in this specialized domain. He is the only elder law attorney with a Certified Elder Law designation licensed to practice in all of southern New England.
Professional Affiliations
Bar Admissions
-
Rhode Island Bar Association, 1996
-
Massachusetts Bar Association, 1997
-
Connecticut Bar Association, 1997
-
Federal Bar Association
-
United States District Court of Rhode Island, 1997
-
United States District Court of Massachusetts, 1999
-
United States District Court of Connecticut, 1999
Other Affiliations
-
Rhode Island, Massachusetts Licensed Real Estate Broker
-
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant U.S. Army Reserves (ret)
-
Member, National Council on Aging
-
Member, American Association of Retired Persons
-
Member, Alliance for Better Long-Term Care
-
Member, Rhode Island Assisted Living Association
-
Member, Rhode Island Health Care Association
-
Member, Association of Daily Money Managers
-
St. Patrick's Church, Mystic, CT
Legal Affiliations
-
National Elder Law Foundation - NELF
-
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
-
Elder Law Answers
-
Rhode Island Bar Association
-
Connecticut Bar Association
-
Massachusetts Bar Association
-
Federal Bar Association
Education
-
St. Raphael Academy, 1986
-
Providence College, B.A., 1991
-
Suffolk Law School, 1994
-
Quinnipiac Law School, J.D., 1995
Awards
Community Service
Attorney Connelly presents to a local senior health association.
Presenting on Elder Exploitation at the Scandanavian Home
Seniors gather to hear talk during Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Attorney Connelly discusses elder law at John Clarke Center
"Southern New England's Certified Elder Law Attorney"
Call Connelly Law Today
Rhode Island Elder Law Attorney
Phone: 401-724-9400
Fax: 401-724-3046
Our office locations
Connecticut
Broadway Street
Mystic, CT 06355
860-440-7600
Rhode Island - Main Office
372 Broadway
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-724-9400
Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard
East Chop, MA 02557
508-316-2396
Follow us on:
This website includes general information about legal issues, issues affecting seniors and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal issues and/or problems.