Planning for the future also requires planning for the end of life. Even as one of the few Americans with some kind of estate planning documentation, you still want to ensure that you choose the right executor to ensure your wishes get met. Before deciding on a...
Call to schedule an appointment or house call
Local : 617-379-0022
Toll Free : 866-591-4451
Local : 617-379-0022
Toll Free : 866-591-4451
Boston Elder Law Blog
How do you discuss your estate plan with loved ones?
No one wants to have the difficult, unpleasant and often painful conversations surrounding estate planning. However, it is crucial for a person to communicate their plans and wishes with their loved ones in order to avoid headaches and confusion later down the road....
Can you minimize your heirs’ taxation?
You may already have a plan on how to minimize or handle the taxes on your estate after your death. But have you considered the taxes your heirs may have to pay? Remember that the government will tax everything possible, so your heirs may be looking at taxes on their...
Can a living trust help you avoid probate in Massachusetts?
If you have assets, estate planning is something you should carefully consider. Without a proper plan in place, you have no control over what happens to your property once you pass on. Unfortunately, this also leaves your family with the often heavy burden of probate,...
How can you diversify your estate plan?
The goal of your estate plan is to dispense as much of your assets and property as possible to those you love. One way you can ensure this happens is to diversify how you do this. A diversified estate plan implements several fiduciary methods to help your loved ones...
Understanding revocable vs. irrevocable trusts
Setting up a trust allows you to ensure those you care about have access to your assets without having to go through the probate process. Trusts have advantages that make them an attractive option, but the different options available can seem confusing. One key thing...
The dangers of keeping your estate plan secret
Historically, parents have kept their estate plans secret from their adult children. The reasons for this are many- fear of upsetting their children, wanting to avoid pressure from their kids to get an "advance inheritance," fear that one of the children will abuse...
What situations make probating an estate necessary?
It is not always required to go to probate court to pass an estate to heirs. Still, some circumstances do not allow you to avoid probate. It is important to know some of these situations, particularly if you are going to be an estate executor in the future. According...
Pet trusts: what are they, and should you consider having one?
In 2011, Massachusetts changed its probate code. Among many of the changes made, the state began allowing people to create a trust for their pet(s). It can, in fact, also be done for farm animals, such as goats and horses. How to set up a pet trust Pet owners who wish...
How planning your estate now can avoid sibling squabbles
Even though it is not the most pleasant topic, most adults understand the need for a will and an estate plan. Most adults know this benefits them, giving them control over their assets and allowing them to designate beneficiaries. In the best-case scenario, children...