Estate Planning
Estate Planning helps you take control of your future
Our attorneys will devise an estate plan customized to fit your needs, whether you are looking for a simple estate plan, planning for your retirement, or for a young family or a solo senior. We are ready to help. Basic estate planning includes a will, durable power of attorney, and health care proxy. Many clients seek additional planning including trusts and life estate deeds. We are here to make the best recommendation for you.
Pass your assets to your loved ones upon your death
Your will is a legal document that provides instructions to be carried out after your death. A will gives you the opportunity to decide how your assets should be distributed when you die.
In your will, you nominate a Personal Representative to distribute your assets according to your wishes. If you die without a will (referred to as intestate), Massachusetts law will determine the beneficiaries of your estate.
Take control by deciding who will make decisions if you can't
A Health Care Proxy allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions for you in the event that you can no longer make decisions for yourself. Without a Health Care Proxy, your loved one's may have to go to court to obtain a guardianship if you become incapacitated.
A Power of Attorney allows you to designate someone to handle your financial affairs. This will be critical if you are ever in a situation where you can no longer manage your own finances. You must choose someone that that you trust.
Health Care Proxy
&
Power of Attorney
Trusts give you greater control and flexibilty over your assets
Trusts give you greater control over your assets during your life and after your death. A Trust should be considered in any case where:
-
Your estate exceeds $1 million dollars.
-
You have a disable loved one.
-
You own property in more than one state.
-
You have minor children.
-
You are in a second marriage.
-
You want to keep your affairs private.
-
You want to avoid probate.
-
You want greater control over your assets, even after your death.
-
You want to consider planning for Medicaid.
You should take steps to ensure that your children will be protected, in the event something unforeseen happens to you before they are grown.
As parents of young children ourselves, we understand how busy your life is. We strive to make the process as efficient and as affordable as possible.
Solo seniors shouldn’t wait until they need more care. Planning should happen now while you are still independent, so that your wishes will be honored and you can look forward to your future without fear. We can help you devise a plan so that you won't be in fear of the future.