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 in compliance with state law.

One common area of misconception is the difference between a living will and a will. Your living will is your formal statement about end of life wishes. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, your living will works alongside your healthcare proxy to help show your wishes.

The living will is guidance for what your agent should do if he or she is called to make a life or death decision within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This means that it is one of the most important legal documents you will establish and update.

Your last will, however, is your written declaration about how your assets are to be distributed after you pass away. As with your living will, state laws determine what makes this document valid. For this reason, the help of a local attorney in Massachusetts can help you have peace of mind that your will was properly executed per the relevant statutes.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

About Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP is the CEO and Founding Partner of O'Connell Law, an estate planning and elder law firm serving clients across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. She is one of a select group of attorneys in Massachusetts certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). Tiffany focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, Alzheimer's planning, charitable planning, and retirement and wealth strategies. She has been helping families plan for their futures since opening her practice in 2010.

Credentials: JD, LLM, CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney — National Elder Law Foundation), AEP (Accredited Estate Planner)

Licensed in: Massachusetts

Areas of Practice: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Alzheimer's Planning, Asset Protection

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