Yachts, ski chalets, chartered jets, trusts: one of these things is not like the others. Contrary to popular belief, establishing a trust isn’t a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich. Yes, trusts are often used by the wealthy to shield assets and pass money from one generation to the next. That’s just one way that trusts […]
Probate lawyers in Middlesex County are well aware of the hassles and headaches that families face when a loved one’s estate goes into probate. The process can drag out, eating up not just time but also resources that would have otherwise gone to beneficiaries. Appointed executors find themselves with burdensome responsibilities that can compound their […]
As a Greater Boston Probate Attorney, I’m commonly asked, “What are the most important steps I need to take after the death of a loved one?” While each situation is different, there are eight general tasks that I advise families to start with when attempting to finalize their loved one’s affairs and close out the […]
Many people plan for their retirement by using Roth IRAs due to their great tax benefits, but most don’t know that Roth IRAs are also excellent for avoiding probate. First, here are some basics about tax planning with Roth IRAs that Middlesex County probate lawyers typically go over with their clients: Unlike traditional IRAs […]
An estate administrator has a duty to manage the estate and do so in the best interest of the beneficiaries. However, not every administrator acts in good faith, and even when they do, disputes and discrepancies can make a beneficiary want to know exactly where the assets are and where they’re going. What duty does […]
When the primary breadwinner dies, his or her surviving spouse, domestic partner and minor children can find themselves without the necessary resources to maintain their current lifestyle. If you find yourself in this position, as a Massachusetts probate lawyer, I can tell you that you do have options. Under Massachusetts laws, you have entitlements in […]
What is the intestacy statute? It is a statute here in Massachusetts which sets up the rules of how your estate would be passed down, if you died an executed will. Many people assume “everything will go to my wife” or “I have nothing, so it doesn’t matter.” However, as we all know, assumptions are […]
