Easton Estate Planning Lawyer

Easton Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning can be an overwhelming task, no matter the state of your financial profile. That said, it’s never too early to get started. On the bright side, you don’t have to figure out what to do with your estate on your own in Massachusetts. Instead, consider working with an Easton estate planning lawyer who has experience navigating these types of situations. Albanese Law, LLC brings years of estate planning experience to the table that we’re ready to put to work for you.

Estate Planning in Easton, MA

Estate planning involves creating a plan for your financial assets for the remainder of your life and, arguably more importantly, after you pass away. Many Massachusetts residents over the age of 55 have an estate plan in place. Studies show that reaching retirement age or other age-related milestones is the top motivation behind creating an estate plan for those who don’t already have one.

Unsurprisingly, younger generations report lower rates of having an estate plan. For many people, they simply aren’t thinking that far ahead into the future. Individuals aged 35 to 54 were the largest group in recent years without an estate plan in place.

Regardless of how old you are, it’s beneficial to start thinking about your financial future for your own benefit as well as those you leave behind. Estate planning can take different forms for each individual. To create an estate plan successfully, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the following terms:

• Advance Directives. Massachusetts does not officially recognize living wills. However, estate planning laws do allow individuals to create their own Health Care Proxies (HCPs). This directs another individual who can make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you are no longer able to advocate for yourself. You must be at least 18 years old to choose an HCP.
• Power of Attorney. Similar to an HCP, a power of attorney (POA) document allows you to select someone to make financial decisions on your behalf. There are many different reasons why you may want to assign a POA. It’s wise to hire an estate planning lawyer who can help you better understand your options.
• Trusts. Another important aspect of estate planning that you may want to consider, depending on your financial profile, is opening a trust. Around 13 percent of respondents in a recent survey indicated that they have a trust.
• Wills. These are often the most commonly used estate planning tools because they offer straightforward directions for how you want your assets distributed when you pass. It’s essential to note that assets can still require probate even when a will is in place.

Your Local Easton Estate Planning Attorneys

Albanese Law, LLC has decades of experience in Massachusetts estate planning cases.. In addition to earning the trust and respect of our numerous clients, we’re proud to have been awarded the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award and to have secured a Superb Avvo rating. Our services span many areas of estate planning law, including:

• Asset protection
• Business succession planning
• Elder law
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Medicaid planning
• Probate
• Special needs planning
• Taxes for inheritances and estates
• Wills and trusts

No matter your situation, you can rest assured that our team has you covered. We are committed to being by your side from beginning to end, ensuring you’re comfortable with your decisions and fully understand everything that’s happening.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer in Easton?

The cost of working with an estate planning lawyer in Massachusetts can vary depending on the details of your financial situation and the services you require. For example, a simple and straightforward estate with minimal assets is generally easier and less costly to handle than a complex financial profile with personal and business assets, real estate, and other complexities. You can typically receive a quote before committing to an Easton estate planning attorney.

Do I Have to Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer to Establish an Estate in Easton?

You’re not legally obligated to hire an estate planning lawyer for estate planning in Easton. That said, it’s widely recommended that you do seek legal counsel. An Easton estate planning attorney can help you through each stage of the process and ensure you understand what’s going on every step of the way. They can identify opportunities for you to maximize your finances and ensure they get to the right place once you pass.

Is Having a Will Enough to Avoid Probate in Easton?

If you have a valid will at the time of your passing, your assets likely still must go through probate. In Easton, this would most likely be handled by the Bristol County Probate and Family Court. Probate is the process of transferring property after the original owner dies. Estates typically must be propagated within three years.

When Is the Right Time to Start Estate Planning in Easton?

There is no one right time to plan for your future with an estate plan. Estate planning is a beneficial step to take, regardless of your life situation, as it extends beyond simply managing your finances. With an estate plan in place, you can be prepared for the unexpected in many ways. For example, you can assign a Health Care Proxy (HCP) and a durable power of attorney in the event you can no longer make decisions.

What Should I Look for in an Easton Estate Planning Attorney?

Choose an Easton, MA estate planning attorney with experience in wills, trusts, Health Care Proxies, and Massachusetts estate planning laws. Look for a licensed, reputable professional with clear communication, local knowledge, personalized service, and a proven track record of effectively addressing clients’ unique needs.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer in Massachusetts to Secure Your Financial Future

If you’re ready to start your estate plan, the first step is contacting a trustworthy Easton estate planning lawyer to guide you through the process. At Albanese Law, LLC, we make planning for your future as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you’re ready to talk about your case in more depth, reach out to set up an appointment with a member of our team today.