Attorney Melissa A. Howitt concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, elder law and family law and enjoys guiding her clients through complex family issues in the planning, administration and litigation stages. Attorney Howitt represents her clients in estate planning; will and trust administration; special needs, long term care and MassHealth planning. With her background in the areas of estate planning and domestic relations, Attorney Howitt is routinely collaborates with other members of the firm’s domestic relations practice group to counsel clients regarding their prenuptial agreements, separation agreements and post-marital agreements. The Probate and Family Courts have appointed Attorney Howitt as Guardian and Conservator for adults who are unable to manage their personal or financial needs due to disability or illness. Attorney Howitt regularly serves as court-appointed guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of those under guardianship or conservatorship, and as Personal Representative and Trustee.

Prior to joining Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil P.C., Attorney Howitt was an associate at a Chicago firm where her practice was focused in the areas of elder law and probate litigation, planning and administration, including representing Adult Protective Services Agencies in areas of elder abuse, exploitation and neglect. Before joining the practice of law, Attorney Howitt gained extensive research experience in late-life depression and mood-related disorders in patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and the efficacy of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). This experience gave her the insight and compassion to navigate her clients through difficult and sensitive legal matters.

Attorney Howitt enjoys speaking engagements tailored to both the community and to professionals. She is an annual participant in the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Elder Law Education Program providing legal information to seniors in the community, and has been a panelist for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), Massachusetts Bar Associaiton, and Massachusetts Guardianship Association. 

Attorney Howitt received her Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University.

She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and the national and Massachusetts chapters of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Attorney Howitt enjoys free time with her husband, twin daughters, and twin sons. 

Please contact Attorney Howitt by email at [email protected] or visit her firm website for more information.