Many people assume estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. If you don’t own multiple homes or have a large investment portfolio, it’s easy to think, “This doesn’t apply to me.” But the truth is, estate planning isn’t just about how much money you have — it’s about who makes decisions for you and your… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Estate Planning
Estate Tax Planning in the OBBBA Era
If you’ve been keeping an eye on estate taxes, there’s some good news to share. Thanks to the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), there are some new “permanent” increases to the federal estate tax. Let’s unpack what’s happening, what’s sticking around, and how you can make the most of these updates…. Read More »
When Should I Update My Estate Plan in Massachusetts?
Life changes—and your estate plan should, too. Many people in Eastern Massachusetts, Dover, and Framingham complete their estate plans and then forget about them. But outdated documents can cause major issues later. Key Times to Update Your Estate Plan Marriage or Divorce: Relationship changes require updates to beneficiaries, executors, and trustees. Birth or Adoption of… Read More »
What Is the Cost of Setting Up an Estate Plan in Massachusetts or Vermont?
When families in Eastern Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts, or the Pioneer Valley start thinking about estate planning, one of the first questions they ask is, “How much will this cost?” The short answer is: it depends. Costs vary depending on your goals, assets, and the complexity of your plan—but understanding what you’re paying for helps you… Read More »
What Happens to My House in Brimfield or Brookline If I Don’t Have an Estate Plan?
For many families, the family home is the most valuable asset they own. Whether you live in Brimfield, Brookline, Sherborn, or Dover, MA, what happens to your house after you pass away depends on whether you have a proper estate plan. Without a Will or Trust If you pass away without a will, your house… Read More »
Estate Planning for Business Owners: Securing Your Company’s Future and Your Legacy
Without estate planning, your business could face taxes, disputes, or liquidation if something happens to you. Learn how succession plans, buy-sell agreements, and tax strategies protect your company, family, and legacy.
The Dangers of DIY Estate Planning: Why Templates Could Cost Your Family Everything
Online templates and DIY estate planning may look convenient, but they often lead to invalid documents, disputes, and costly mistakes. Discover the dangers of DIY planning and why working with an experienced attorney ensures your family’s protection.
Why Every Parent Needs a Comprehensive Estate Plan
Protect your children’s future with a comprehensive estate plan. Learn the key documents every parent needs to ensure care, security, and peace of mind.
The Importance of Including Final Disposition Instructions in Your Estate Plan
When creating an estate plan, people often focus on critical aspects such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. However, one crucial component sometimes overlooked is specifying final disposition instructions. Final disposition instructions detail how you would like your remains to be handled after your death—whether through burial, cremation, or another method—and they… Read More »
Navigating Cash-Poor Estates in Massachusetts- Options When Recipients Are Reluctant to Sell Assets
In Massachusetts, if an estate is “cash poor”—meaning it lacks liquid assets such as cash or easily sold investments to cover expenses like debts, taxes, or specific bequests—it can create challenges during the estate administration process. This situation becomes even more complex when an heir or beneficiary is assigned a specific, non-liquid asset (such as… Read More »