During holiday time, many people feel more generous than usual. This is not surprising since religious teachings of this period emphasize the importance of helping others, and many stories of the season involve giving in one way or another. If you are inclined to make gift-giving preparations, now is a good time...
MarketWatch Article: How to talk about estate planning with your family this holiday season without starting a fight
By: Nora Garvey
Taking the emotions out of death and financesAs families gather for the holidays, talking about long-term financial security and trusts may not be top of mind. Death and finances are often two of the most uncomfortable topics for families to talk...
ElderLawAnswers Article: The Coronavirus Pandemic Presents Ample Reasons to Reevaluate Your Estate Plan
The coronavirus health emergency is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and it makes sense to be prepared. It may sound self-serving, but the threats to life and finances posed by the pandemic offer ample reason to reevaluate your estate plan -- or create one if you haven't already.
Forbes Article: The Problems With Do-It-Yourself Online Wills
Written By Marguerite C. Lorenz
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As a professional trustee and executor, I have seen hundreds of estate-planning documents, including some from do-it-yourself online services. I appreciate that using a DIY site to draft a will can save money and time. But I’m also concerned that sometimes doing it this way...
Will a Simple Last Will and Testament meet your needs?
By Attorney Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq., CELA
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Many people think that all they need is a simple Last Will and Testament (Will). They also think that a Will directs all of their assets and...
What is a Last Will and Testament and Do I Need One?
The coronavirus pandemic getting you thinking about preparing a Will? You may be worried about how your exposure to the disease or preexisting health conditions may make you more susceptible to COVID-19. The need for an estate plan is constant, but now more than ever, we seek the peace of mind that...
3 Reasons You Should Work With a Law Firm to Create Your Will
Many Americans do not have any estate planning documents in place. As we’re in the middle of a global pandemic, many of us have spent time thinking about what could happen if we become incapacitated or die due to coronavirus. Without a valid will, Massachusetts probate courts will divide up and...
New York Times Article: The Flaw in Warren Buffett’s Estate Plan
By Paul Sullivan
Mr. Buffett has instructed his executors to not sell any shares of his firm, Berkshire Hathaway. But these types of directives typically result in lawsuits.
Warren E. Buffett’s annual letter to shareholders is always parsed for investing wisdom from the Oracle of Omaha.
The Importance of Health Care Documents
Like so many of you, I am doing my part to protect the health of our vulnerable community members and frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by socially distancing. To stay in touch (and sane!), I have been connecting frequently with friends and family by telephone and videoconference. In these interactions, I...
Kiplinger Article:5 Unfortunate Estate Planning Myths You Probably Believe
These all-too-common misconceptions can steer your estate plans in the wrong direction right from the start. Here’s how to overcome them and tips to build the right plan for your family.
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by: Christopher D. Wright, JD, CPA
Estate planning should be a fairly straightforward exercise in...