As we wrap up estate plan document signings, there is often a sigh of relief from clients who say, “I’m so glad that is taken care of!” But before you check off your to-do list, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that your estate plan is ready for future action. 1....
You’ve just found out that you are going to receive an inheritance. A loved one or a friend has left you a bequest as part of their estate…what a wonderful gift. While it seems unlikely, there are situations where it makes sense for a beneficiary to not receive their inheritance. Why would someone do this...
When working with your estate planning attorney, you want to make sure you’re putting the right people in the right positions. Therefore, it’s important to understand the common terms for the players in your estate plan. Who does what in Estate Planning? Fiduciary: All persons or financial institutions (i.e. a bank or company) who act...
The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult things to go through in life. After the grief subsides, deciding if the person’s estate must be probated is confusing, time consuming and expensive. Avoiding probate will move the estate distribution much faster to the heirs, so many often wonder if probate is...
In most families, parents choose to leave their estate equally to their children. But sometimes, parents intentionally choose to disinherit a child and cut them out of their estate completely. You may have, what you believe to be legitimate reason to do this: one child is more financially successful than the others; not wanting a...
With an estimated 40 million Americans 65 years or older, our nation is growing older, living longer, and we have fewer resources for long-term care. As we age, we often face a broad range of complex legal concerns. The importance of planning for one’s future needs is essential. What is Elder Law? An Elder Law...
A Living Trust, (more formally referred to as Revocable Living Trust or Revocable Trust) holds your assets in trust for your use and benefit during your lifetime; and it gives clear direction on how those assets will be distributed upon your death. One of the prime advantages of a Living Trust is that it can...
Most of us have heard of a bad experience another family had dividing up personal property after a parent died. Arguments and bitter feelings ensued when the adult children tried to figure out who should get Mom’s favorite pie plate, Dad’s trusty set of wrenches, or the painting over the fireplace. Neglecting to specify who-gets-what...
For many people, their house is their most treasured and valuable asset. Kids have been raised there, memories of a lifetime created, and it is only natural to want to pass the family home to the next generation and avoid probate. But is it a good idea to transfer the house to your child? The...
Probate is a time-consuming, tedious process that often tests the nerves of many family members. By Massachusetts statute, a probate case must be kept open for twelve months to allow creditors to file any claims against the estate and before final distributions should be made to the heirs. The good news is that not all...
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