About Bonnie
Bonnie Ball Wahrer: Experienced Trusts and Estates Attorney in Portland, Maine
Bonnie Ball Wahrer is a highly skilled attorney who represents individuals, families, fiduciaries, and institutional clients in all aspects of trust and estate planning, administration, controversy, and probate litigation. She enjoys working with families to help implement their goals to reduce gift and estate taxes, generation-skipping transfer taxes, and to put in place a comprehensive estate plan that addresses their families’ needs for transferring wealth to future generations.
Practice Areas
- Troubleshooting Trusts and Estates Issues
- Estate Planning & Administration
- Fiduciary Representation (e.g., Trustees, Executors)
- Controversy & Litigation in Trusts and Estates Matters
- Probate & Probate Contests
Bonnie is also skilled in preparing and negotiating premarital agreements. She regularly counsels public charities with respect to governance and compliance matters, and incorporates them into the 501(c)(3) tax exempt-status.
Education & Credentials
- University of Maine School of Law, Juris Doctor (2017)
- Dual Enrollment Pathway: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine in Public Health, Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and J.D. from the University of Maine
- Accepted into both programs in 2015 as part of a pioneering dual enrollment initiative at both schools.
- Buffalo, New York native, currently resides in southern Maine with her husband Bill and their animal companions: standard poodle Belize, cats Theodore and Alvin, and horse Simon. Bonnie is also an avid equestrian.
Professional Affiliations & Recognized Since
- Pierce Atwood LLP - Current Employment
- Recognized in Ones to Watch by Best Attorney USA since 2026
Bonnie’s strong technical understanding of gift and estate tax, combined with her attention to detail, gives her the edge in providing high-quality services to her clients. Prior to joining Pierce Atwood, Bonnie gained valuable insights into state appellate litigation and federal pretrial management and trial litigation experience.
Recognition
- Awarded Notable Recognition: Trusts and Estates by Best Attorney USA
