The Last Will and Testament is the most basic estate planning document. If you die without a will (intestate), crucial decisions about how your property will be distributed and who will be the guardian of your minor children will be decided by Commonwealth of Massachusetts intestacy laws.
Because your will...
The following case study is on the pitfalls of using online software forestate planning. This is a recent situation that Attorney Michelle Beneski and our office had to navigate. The names of the family have been changed but it could happen to anyone.
Bob was unmarried. He had 2 children. One of his...
by Sharon Waters, AARP
The wave of people prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic to write their wills is creating yet another wave in estate planning: all the people being asked to one day put those wills into effect.
To say the last year and a half has been a challenge would be the understatement of the century. So many have stepped up to help others and to give a sense of normalcy in such an abnormal time. One group of people especially come to mind: teachers.
Children...
Estate Planning is like a road map. And while the map may be straight forward for some, for others there may be stops along the way. One thing is for sure is that it all leads to the same destination: peace of mind!
A lot of people put off...
Tragically, addiction is extremely common in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, as it is throughout the country. For this reason, many of our clients are troubled about how they will provide for addicted loved ones in their estate plans. Whether your child or another relative is addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or...
Everyone should have an estate plan. For LGBTQ+ families, it may be even more critical.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to be married or they may have children where only one partner is the biological parent, said Gina Nelson,...
There are essentially five ways an individual can transfer property to their loved ones upon their death. Depending on the age of the persons who will be receiving property or the dynamics among family members who are receiving the property, it is important to choose your method of transfer very carefully.
Probate is a court process to settle an estate after someone dies. There are two types of probates. The first is interstate probate. For example, if someone dies without a Will, then they are “intestate” and a court has to decide what happens to their property. The second type is testate...
