How Estate Planning Can Save Your Loved Ones From Financial and Emotional Turmoil Later When was the last time you thought about your hot water heater? Unless you’ve had a recent problem, it’s probably been a while. Sure, it will break someday; hot water heaters generally only last 10 to 15 years. But life is […]
Half a century ago, reaching middle age without getting married made a person unusual. Today, being a single adult is totally normal: in 2016, 110.6 million American adults were unmarried, according to Census data. As happily single adults know, remaining unmarried means you get to call all the shots like where you vacation or what […]
When it comes to estate planning, most people think of streams of income that are typical, such as current employment, retirement plans, and bank accounts. These obviously need to be included. But, there are other, less obvious types of income that some people forget. When you work with an experienced Massachusetts estate planning attorney, they […]
Unless you were living under a rock, you most likely heard about the tax reform bill that was passed by Congress and signed by the President over the holidays. One big change that came out of it was the doubling of the exemption amount for federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. Beginning in 2018, […]
As a Framingham will and trust lawyer, I have the important job of helping clients create a legacy that is compliant with a number of different laws. For the most part, these laws will vary from state to state. Some differences are minor, while others can impact an estate plan significantly. Someone who already has […]
This tragic hurricane season and other disasters have taken a toll on many parts of the United States and the Caribbean. They have also taken a toll on the charitable organizations that step in when a crisis hits. As a will and trust lawyer in Framingham, it is gratifying to meet with clients who want […]
Often, when we think of someone having property overseas, we think of George Clooney and his Italian villa or Richard Branson and his private island. However, plenty of everyday Americans own property or assets in other countries, and it may become part of their estates when they pass on. There are special considerations to keep […]
Unfortunately, family feuds that center around someone’s will or trust are a tale as old as time. Even if this is not something you have personally experienced, you may have heard a few horror stories. As a Framingham will and trust lawyer, I’ve seen it firsthand. While family squabbles after the death of a loved […]
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 […]
Dying intestate, or without a will, is very common. If you die without a will, your property will go through probate and is then distributed according to Massachusetts intestacy law. Intestacy laws govern intestate property. They go into effect unless there is a valid will to testify to the deceased’s wishes or an established estate […]
Giving your children and grandchildren the legacy and pride of a family business can keep your nose to the grindstone for decades. Financial security, family harmony, and growing wealth together are some of the benefits of a family business. Legacies are meant to outlive the legacy makers. If you’re a business owner in Massachusetts, don’t […]
When making an estate plan and Last Will and Testament, many people have a difficult time deciding who should be the Personal Representative (formerly known as the executor) of their estate. Oftentimes, they will consider naming Co-Personal Representatives – two or more people who serve as personal representatives of the estate. Each Co-Personal Representative named […]
Buying a new home or a real estate investment property is exciting, but it may come with unintended consequences. Most people do their due diligence with inspections, hiring real estate attorneys, and getting insurance. Unfortunately, most people do not think to call their estate planning attorney. This is a mistake because purchasing real property drastically […]
Since Massachusetts has such a low estate tax threshold, many of our clients consider making lifetime gifts to their children in order to lower their estate tax liability upon their death. However, the decision to do so should not be taken lightly. There are many serious financial and psychological repercussions to making lifetime gifts.
Total Wine and More Cloverleaf Marketplace 321 Speen Street, Natick Come taste some wine while Julie, Lauren, Dave and Dave talk about how to maintain and grow your estate, the difference between good and bad debt, saving and investing, protect your assets and income and how estate planning documents can help you achieve these goals! […]
As our clients get older, many worry about leaving a legacy for their children. Some have heard stories of someone they know losing their life savings to the costs of long-term care in a nursing home. While there are various planning techniques to help shelter assets from the costs of long-term care, a long standing […]
The Board of Directors of the Central Mass Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals cordially invites you to a live video stream broadcast – “A Financial Professional’s Ultimate Survival Guide for the Challenging New Fiduciary Landscape”. A distinguished panel will explore the ramifications of the new DOL decision and help advisors comply with […]
