Estate Planning
How do I protect my assets? How do I ensure my assets go to the people I want? We understand the emotional issues involved in thinking about your own long-term plan and in probating the will of a loved one. It is important that you have a will in place to ensure that your assets are given to the people you choose.
Trust us with your estate planning matters and we will provide you sound legal advice together with a true understanding and compassion for your individual needs. You’ll have all the right legal documents you need to ensure your wishes are carried out, giving you peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order.
Who needs Estate Planning? Anyone with property in their own name needs some estate planning so your assets pass to the people of your choosing while minimizing estate tax.
What are Estate Taxes? Estate taxes are levied by both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States Federal Government on assets that pass through your estate, or through intestate succession, if there is no proper will or estate tax planning.
What does intestate mean? Intestate refers to someone who has died without having a legally valid will.
What assets go through your estate? Does Life Insurance, or 401(k) proceeds assigned to a beneficiary count? If properly set up, life insurance goes directly to a beneficiary without passing through your estate and the same is true for 401(k) benefits.
Who is responsible for paying Estate Taxes? The estate of the deceased person is responsible for payment of any taxes owed and the remaining assets are then distributed either by will or by intestate succession.
What other matters does Estate Planning encompass? It provides for trusts and guardianships when minor children are left or given assets. It also provides for successive planning if a family-owned business is involved. -
Healthy Care Proxy, Living Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney: Our Will Packages include a Health Care Proxy appointing a health agent of your choosing in the event you cannot competantly make medical decisions on your own behalf, a Living Will with your wishes in the event your loved ones have to make an important decision for you regarding your health and well being; and a Durable Power of Attorney so someone you appoint can handle your financial affairs and other matters in the event you are unable to do so as part of your estate planning package.
Contact us to set up a free consultation.
