Estate Planning
How do I protect my assets? How do I ensure my grandchildren get their inheritance?
It is said there are only two things for certain in this world: death and taxes. Our estate planners can help you prepare for both. Estate planning encompasses a wide range of topics including drafting wills, drafting and administering trusts, long term health care, Medicaid/Medicare issues and living wills.
We meet with each client to assess your specific needs to develop a personal estate plan. Whether the goal is to minimize estate taxes, avoid probate, ensure specific bequests, prevent family hardship, or keep assets out of reach of creditors, we can help you achieve those goals.
With decades of experience drafting and probating wills, we understand the emotional issues involved in thinking about your own long-term plan and in probating the will of a loved one. Our experience and ties to the community puts clients at ease during difficult times.
Trust us with your estate planning matters and we will provide you sound legal advice together with a true understanding and compassion for your individual needs. You'll have all the right legal documents you need to ensure your wishes are carried out, giving you peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order.
Estate Planning FAQ
Who needs Estate Planning?
Anyone with property in their own name needs some estate planning so your assets pass to the people of your choosing while minimizing estate tax.
What are Estate Taxes?
Estate taxes are levied by both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States Federal Government on assets that pass through your estate, or through intestate succession, if there is no proper will or estate tax planning.
What does intestate mean?
Intestate refers to someone who has died without having a legally valid will.
What assets must go through your estate? Is Life Insurance, or 401(k) assigned to a beneficiary count?
If properly set up, life insurance goes directly to a beneficiary without passing through your estate and the same is true for 401(k) benefits.
Who is responsible for paying Estate Taxes?
The estate of the deceased person is responsible for payment of any taxes owed and the remaining assets are then distributed either by will or by intestate succession.
What other matters does Estate Planning encompass?
It provides for trusts and guardianships when minor children are bequeathed assets. It also provides for successive planning if a family-owned business is involved.