A life estate is a legal arrangement that grants an individual, known as the “life tenant,” the right to live in and use a property for the duration of their lifetime or the lifetime of another specified person, called the “remainderman.” In Massachusetts, as in many other states, a life estate can have implications for… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Inheritance
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 »
What is the Significance of the Increase in Estate Tax Exemption in Massachusetts?
The increase in the estate tax exemption in Massachusetts carries significant implications for residents of the state, the state’s economy, and its fiscal policies. The estate tax exemption is the threshold at which an individual’s estate becomes subject to taxation upon their passing. What does this change mean to you? The increase in the estate… Read More »
Asset Protection in Massachusetts Estate Planning: Safeguarding Your Legacy
When you think of estate planning, you probably think of drafting a will or specifying who will getyour assets after your passing, but estate planning goes deeper than that. It involves acomprehensive strategy to protect your wealth, ensuring your loved ones receive their rightfulinheritance while minimizing potential risks, such as taxation and creditor claims. In… Read More »
Navigating Estate Sales in Massachusetts: A Guide for Heirs
Estate sales are an essential part of settling the affairs of a loved one in Massachusetts. Thesesales liquidate assets and possessions, ultimately distributing the proceeds amongbeneficiaries. Understanding how estate sales work is crucial, as it can help streamline theprocess and ensure an efficient and fair distribution of assets. In this article, we will guide youthrough… Read More »
Navigating Probate: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Introduction Probate is a legal process that ensures the orderly distribution of a deceased person’s assets and settlement of their debts. While it’s designed to be a structured and fair system, common probate pitfalls can complicate matters for heirs and executors alike. In this article, we’ll explore some of these challenges and offer insights on… Read More »
How To Discuss an Inheritance with Your Loved Ones
Leaving aside a legacy and an inheritance for your loved ones is common practice, and especially in light of how much is expected to transfer to other generations in the coming years, it is important to keep your loved ones on board with your decisions. What to Cover in an Estate Planning Conversation While you… Read More »
How to Avoid Family Conflicts When Planning an Inheritance
Approximately 1.7 million households in the United States receive an inheritance on an annual basis. But additional research has found that almost 75% of those beneficiaries have lost their inheritance within just a few years. What might seem like a financial blessing and important gift from you could come with strings attached, especially as it… Read More »
How to Handle an Inheritance
Inheritances often come as a surprise, and an emotional surprise at that. Unlike most other gifts in life, inheritances arrive in the midst of sorrow and confusion. Knowing how to strategically and tactfully handle an unexpected inheritance can be a real challenge. U.S. News & World Report recently talked with one beneficiary who couldn’t bring… Read More »