In Massachusetts, if a person passes away without a will (intestate) and has no surviving heirs, the estate may follow a specific legal process. Here’s what typically happens in such a situation: It’s crucial to note that the specific rules and procedures regarding intestate estates without heirs can vary, and legal processes may change over… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Death Planning
What Is The Difference Between Dying Intestate vs. Testate in Massachusetts?
Planning for the inevitable is a crucial aspect of life, and estate planning plays a pivotal role in ensuring your assets are distributed per your wishes after your passing. In Massachusetts, as in many other states, individuals have two primary options for managing their estate: dying intestate (without a will) or testate (with a will)…. Read More »
How Do I Protect My Loved One`s Inheritance?
Planning your estate is about distributing assets and confirming that your loved ones are taken care of in the best possible way. Sometimes, you may be concerned about a beneficiary who may not have the financial discipline to handle a substantial inheritance responsibly. In such cases, Massachusetts offers various estate planning strategies to protect and… Read More »
How Do I Plan For A Future with Alzheimer’s Disease?
Acquiring a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming, both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. While the journey ahead may seem uncertain, it is important to take proactive steps to ensure that your needs will be met in the future. Planning early can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the… Read More »
When Should I Include a Pour Over Will in My Estate Plan?
Creating an estate plan is an important step in securing the future of your assets and your loved ones. One popular tool in estate planning is a pour over will. A pour over will can be a valuable addition to your estate plan, but it may not be necessary for everyone. So, when should you… Read More »
Why Is End of Life Planning So Important?
As you contemplate the concept of your estate plan, you may think mostly about how to pass on the assets you’ve accumulated during your life to your loved ones. This can include considerations around taxes, who is most responsible for receiving lump sum benefits and who may need additional control, such as assets placed inside… Read More »
Six End-of-Life Care Documents Worth Putting in Your Estate Plan
It’s not easy to think about making difficult decisions at the end of your life. But if you’re unable to speak for yourself, it becomes much more difficult for your loved ones to handle these questions, too. Meeting with an estate planning attorney often begins by completing a questionnaire or an inventory about things that… Read More »
How to Protect a Loved One from Identity Theft After Their Death
Did you know that recently deceased people are very high targets for exploitation after they pass away? This might come as a surprise as a family member or close friend of a deceased person as you are navigating all of the complexities of working through your own grief and potentially even your role in their… Read More »
Saving a Loved One from Challenges After You Pass Away
One of the most common reasons that people neglect the estate planning process is because they don’t wish to discuss the topic of death. It can certainly feel morbid and very difficult to talk to your loved ones about what might happen if you are no longer around but it can simultaneously be one of… Read More »