As you plan for your family’s financial future, trusts can be powerful tools to efficiently protect and transfer wealth. Using a Trust to hold inheritances for children or grandchildren can allow you to leverage annual gifting and potentially reduce estate taxes. 1. Trusts as Inheritance Vehicles Setting up a trust to hold assets for your...
More frequently, we are hearing clients talk about wanting to plan ahead for all aspects of their aging, including planning for their final funeral wishes. While not necessarily a “fun” way to spend one’s time, planning for end of life can have many benefits. One of the strategies often used is to prepay for funeral...
You have probably heard from friends or relatives who’ve gone through it. Probate is a time-consuming, expensive, and very public process. Not to mention it can sometimes be unpleasant. Anyone, especially your children’s ex-spouses and creditors, can see many private things about you, such as personal information, your finances, including your debts, the value of...
A question we receive frequently is “Can I name more than one person to serve as a co-trustee of my trust?” The answer is yes, you can, but it may cause some complications. There are a couple of things for you to consider: Financial institutions. A trustee’s job is to manage and distribute assets based...
The estate tax applies to the estates of individuals who passed away with a taxable estate exceeding a certain threshold. In August, Massachusetts increased its estate tax “threshold” to $2,000,000 for the estates of all decedents who died on or after January 1, 2023. This doubles the estate tax exemption (from $1,000,000) that had been...
Clients are often concerned about how family harmony will be maintained after they are gone. They worry that children will argue over their money and their possessions. Avoiding a contest over your Last Will and Testament when you are no longer here involves careful planning and execution. While it’s impossible to guarantee that a Last...
Death is an inevitable part of life, and while we can’t control when it happens, we can certainly take steps to control what happens to our assets after we’re gone. One of the financial considerations is estate taxes. Sometimes known as inheritance taxes or death taxes, estate taxes are levied on the estate of a...
Estate planning when your children are minors (under the age of 18) can be a challenge. Most parents are concerned about their minor child managing an inheritance at such a young age. Wills with testamentary trusts for minors may be a viable option to help solve this issue. Wills and Probate A Will is a...
You have been very fortunate in your life – worked hard, saved your money and own your home. Throughout the years, you have been able to rely on a wonderful loved one. They check in on you often, help with your shopping and doctor’s appointments. In recognition of this important relationship, you decide to leave...
Did you know, if you don’t have a current estate plan in place, the Massachusetts Probate Court will decide who will inherit your possessions, raise your children, manage your assets, and administer your estate? Without proper organization, your assets could go unnoticed or become lost and loved ones may not benefit from your years of...
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