There are not many situations in which an individual could have grounds to challenge a will or trust in Massachusetts. However, as a person putting together your estate planning documents and planning ahead, it is important to understand the steps that you can take with the help of your attorney to decrease the chances of… Read More »
Page 38
What Is Advanced Care Planning in Massachusetts?
Advanced care planning refers to different strategies and steps that you can take to ensure that the medical care you receive, if you are unable to make these decisions for yourself, is still available to you. While it is certainly important to speak with trusted loved ones and family about your goals and values for… Read More »
Does an Estate Always Have to Be Probated in Massachusetts?
Many people are confused about the different laws that might apply to a Massachusetts estate. This has relevance for you as an individual, and also for loved ones who are stepping in to handle the administration or probate of a loved one’s estate. What is Massachusetts Probate? Probate in Massachusetts refers to the formal process… Read More »
What Happens if I Never Update My Massachusetts Will After a New Marriage?
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s recent ruling in the case Ciani v. McGrath, highlights an important issue regarding updating a will when the creator fails to update a years-old document. In that particular case, a now-deceased individual had married a second time after his first wife had passed away. However, the original will, which provided… Read More »
How is a Living Will in Massachusetts Different from My Will?
As with all states, living in Massachusetts means you must be aware of relevant state and federal laws that influence how you pass on assets to your loved ones. Having an established relationship with a Massachusetts estate planning lawyer can help you understand how to create a plan that addresses your own needs while remaining… Read More »
Half of Americans Still Don’t Have A Will- Are You One of Them?
Have you put off sitting down with a Natick estate planning lawyer because you don’t want to think about it or don’t think you need one? You’re not alone- plenty of people in Massachusetts and around the country don’t have this basic estate planning tool in place. Merrill Lynch and Age Wave recently published the… Read More »
How to Avoid Fights Over Your Estate in Natick, MA
Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney is usually the first step in minimizing the potential for conflict in your estate. A death in the family, unfortunately, does not bring out the best in people. You’ve probably been part of or witnessed the fallout when someone’s estate incites family arguments. If you want to avoid… Read More »
Do You Need to Tell Your Loved Ones Where Your Estate Planning Documents Are Located?
In the event that you have already done the work of creating your estate planning documents, it’s a good idea at some point to discuss with your children where these documents are stored. Adult children should be prepared to ask where they are located and whether these are easily accessible to the named fiduciaries for… Read More »
Is It A Problem to Appoint A Personal Representative Outside of State?
Today many people move around for various reasons, but there are questions that might be raised in the process of figuring out how to establish a personal representative for your estate plan for someone who lives in a different state. In general, appointing a non-resident as your personal representative should not be an issue. It… Read More »
Why Are Revocable Trusts Some of The Most Flexible Tools in Estate Planning?
There are many different items and strategies you might use inside your financial planning tool kit. Far too many people brush off using revocable trusts because of the perception that trusts are only for the rich and famous. Since so many people do not have a taxable estate under the new federal estate tax exemptions,… Read More »