Marshfield Estate Planning Lawyer

Marshfield Estate Planning Attorney

Securing your family’s future means preparing a successful estate plan. At Albanese Law, LLC, our Marshfield estate planning lawyers provide personalized estate planning services through a client-focused approach. Whether you’re planning for your own future, administering a loved one’s estate, or navigating complex elder law issues, our team can help guide you through every step. Schedule your consultation today!

Why Is Estate Planning Important?

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or elderly. Planning for the future is for everyone, regardless of age, health, or financial status. A 2025 study showed that over 50% of Americans polled had no estate planning documents. In addition, the majority of Americans waited until retirement or another age-related milestone before planning their estate.

Estate planning in Marshfield, Massachusetts, is essential for ensuring your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. The probate process in Marshfield involves filing a petition with the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court, appointing a personal representative, inventorying assets, notifying creditors and beneficiaries, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets. Without a clear estate plan, state law determines asset distribution, which can lead to family disputes and increased costs.

A comprehensive plan allows you to:

• Appoint guardians for minor children
• Direct how your assets will be distributed upon your death
• Protect assets from unnecessary taxes, probate, and creditors
• Name trusted individuals to make healthcare and financial decisions in the event that you become incapacitated
• Ensure your end-of-life wishes are honored
• Minimize legal complications

Without a valid estate plan, Massachusetts laws determine how your assets are distributed. And that may not reflect your intentions. At Albanese Law, LLC, we can help you retain control and preserve your legacy.

Estate Planning Services

Albanese Law, LLC, offers a range of estate planning services that can meet the needs of individuals, families, and business owners alike.

Wills and Trusts

Wills specify how your assets should be distributed and who will care for your minor children in your absence. Without a will, Massachusetts intestacy laws will decide for you. Only about 24% of Americans have a will in place in 2025. Parents of young children are among the least likely to have completed these documents.

Trusts allow you to transfer assets to beneficiaries outside of probate. Whether you need a revocable living trust, special needs trust, or irrevocable trust, the experienced team at Albanese Law, LLC, can advise you on the path suited for you.

Powers of Attorney

If you become unable to make decisions due to illness, injury, or incapacity, a power of attorney lets you appoint a trusted person to manage your financial affairs. Our team can give you some peace of mind in knowing that your financial responsibilities will be handled according to your wishes.

Health Care Proxies and Advance Directives

Sometimes called a medical power of attorney, a healthcare proxy gives someone legal authority to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Advance directives, or living wills, let you specify your preferences for end-of-life care. These documents can protect your autonomy.

Estate Tax Planning

Massachusetts is one of the few states that has its own estate tax. It allows fewer exemptions than the federal limit. This tax applies to the gross value exceeding $2 million. Tax rates range from 0.8% to 16%.

Thoughtful estate tax planning can reduce or eliminate the tax burden on your estate. We help clients implement strategies like credit shelter trusts, gifting, and charitable giving to minimize tax liabilities.

Submit returns and tax payments to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 7023, Boston, MA 02204

Special Needs Planning

If you have a loved one with a disability, traditional inheritance methods can disqualify them from receiving necessary public benefits. We help families establish special needs trusts and guardianships. This can help preserve eligibility for programs like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. It gives an extra layer of long-term financial support for your loved one.

Business Succession Planning

If you own a small business in Marshfield, you need to plan what’s going to happen with your company upon your passing. Without a well-structured succession plan, your company may face an uncertain future. At Albanese Law, LLC, we understand that your business is more than a livelihood. It’s part of your legacy. We help Marshfield business owners prepare for a smooth transition.

Having a strong plan for your business can:

• Avoid disputes among family members or co-owners
• Maintain operational stability and business continuity
• Minimize tax exposure and preserve business value
• Clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations
• Ensure a smooth transfer of business ownership

When it comes to planning for your family’s future, you deserve guidance from a trusted and experienced professional. Attorney Matthew P. Albanese, founding attorney of Albanese Law, LLC, is a highly respected Marshfield estate planning lawyer with extensive qualifications. For personalized estate planning solutions, contact Albanese Law, LLC today to schedule your consultation.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Interview a Marshfield Estate Planning Attorney?

A: When interviewing an estate planning attorney, ask about their experience with wills, trusts, and other estate documents. You may also want to ask how they stay current with state and federal laws or how they handle probate cases. Make sure you get a clear understanding of their expected fees and payment schedules. Your initial consultation can also give you an idea of how the attorney communicates and how their plan aligns with the vision for your future.

Q: How Long Do Most Estates Take to Settle?

A: The timeline for how long it takes to settle an estate really varies. Some factors that influence the timeline include the estate’s size, complexity, and whether there are any disputes among creditors or heirs. Simple estates with little to no debt or conflict resolve fairly quickly. However, large estates that require formal probate or have a conflict with heirs and creditors may take much longer.

Q: Can You Do Estate Planning Yourself?

A: You can do estate planning by yourself using online tools or legal forms. However, without legal guidance, there’s a risk of making mistakes that could render the documents invalid or fail to achieve your long-term goals. Complex estates, blended families, and tax concerns definitely require professional guidance from an estate planning lawyer.

Q: Does an Executor of a Will Need a Lawyer?

A: An executor is not legally required to hire a lawyer, but it’s often advised to do so for large, complex estates. Executors are responsible for managing the probate process, settling debts, and distributing assets. They also must pay the estate’s taxes. A probate lawyer can guide the executor through court filings, compliance with state laws, and deadlines. Hiring a lawyer ensures the estate is administered efficiently and accurately.

Contact a Marshfield Estate Planning Lawyer

The Marshfield estate planning lawyers at Albanese Law, LLC, can help secure your family’s future by creating a personalized estate plan that meets your needs and goals. We can walk you through every step of the process to ensure clear, legally compliant documentation of your wishes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.