Modern Legacy Law Group
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover

Legacy. It’s what we leave behind...and how we continue to care for the people we love.
But let’s be honest — it’s not always easy to think about.
After losing my cousin in Florida, I found myself responsible for handling everything — paperwork, arrangements, and decisions. She had no immediate family left, and because there hadn’t been a clear plan in place, it made an already difficult time even more complicated.
And in the middle of it all, I had a realization: It was time to revisit our own plan.
The last time we did our wills, our kids were still living at home. Life had changed — and it was time for our plan to reflect that.
Having a trusted, local resource made all the difference.
We met with Kerri Koen, who walked us through the process with patience, knowledge, and even a bit of humor (which goes a long way when talking about these things!). What can feel overwhelming somehow became manageable — and even empowering.
Modern Legacy Law Group is a woman-owned, mission-driven law practice founded by Erin Nobles and Kerri Koen, right here on Main Street in Melrose.
They specialize in estate planning - helping individuals and families put thoughtful plans in place to protect the people they love, including:
- Wills & trusts
- Guardianship planning (especially for families with young children)
- Long-term planning as life changes

And here’s something important: Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for everyone. It’s a gift to your family — one that brings clarity, security, and peace of mind.
What makes Erin and Kerri stand out is their approach. They don’t just hand you documents — they build relationships. They take the time to explain everything in plain language, offer flat-fee pricing, and provide ongoing guidance as your life evolves.
They’ve also woven themselves into the fabric of the Melrose community — supporting local organizations like Bike Fest, Melrose Drama, Little League, and the Education Foundation, and offering free educational workshops to help people feel informed and empowered.
Their office and staff are welcoming, relaxed, and family-friendly — because they understand that these are deeply personal conversations.
And their symbol says it all: a Copper Beech tree — a slow-growing tree that represents investing in the future. That’s exactly what they help families do. Plant something today that protects the next generation.
Creating a plan is more within reach than you might think. They offer a free 15-minute consultation and both in-person and virtual meetings.
We often put this off because it feels uncomfortable...or complicated. But after walking through it, I can tell you this: Taking the time to create a plan isn’t about preparing for the worst — it’s about caring for the people you love in the best possible way.
That’s a legacy worth leaving!

