When you sit down to create your will, this is probably driven primarily by your desire to decide who will be appointed as the guardian for your minor child and who will receive your property when you pass away. Part of this decision-making process, however, is about how much detail you intend to go into… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Wills
Three Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Will
Studies show that up to 70% of Americans don’t have the most basic of estate planning documents in a will. This legal document can accomplish multiple goals and is often the cornerstone of a good Massachusetts estate plan. This legal document outlines who is eligible to take care of your minor children if something happens… Read More »
Is My Will a Matter of Public Record?
When you create a last will and testament, there are many different questions that you must answer, including who should receive your investments, business interests, real estate, and personal property. But one important aspect of creating a will in Massachusetts that is often overlooked is that, upon your death, the will must be filed with… Read More »
Are You Leaving a Legacy with Your Massachusetts Estate Plan?
It’s difficult to talk about what will happen to your loved ones after you are gone. This sensitive and difficult subject leads to many people avoiding the topic of estate planning at all. However, this can unnecessarily expose your family to feeling caught off guard, confused or even mired in conflict if an unexpected tragedy,… Read More »
What’s the Average Probate Time for Wills in Massachusetts?
There are many different factors that can influence the time it takes from the filing of an official will to the conclusion of that estate’s time in probate administration. Furthermore, one important influence on the time it takes to probate a will is the personal representative’s diligence in completing this job. Furthermore, involvement from outside… Read More »
Does Destroying My Will Revoke It in Massachusetts?
As the creator of a will, it is your responsibility to decide whether or not this document continues to support your estate planning wishes and concerns. If you make the decision that this document no longer reflects what you hope to accomplish in your estate planning, you can revoke it. One common issue that emerges… Read More »
What Is the Burden of Proof When Challenging A Will or Trust in Massachusetts?
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 »
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 »