How to Choose the Right Personal Representative for Your Estate in Massachusetts
Choosing the right Personal Representative helps ensure your estate is settled according to your wishes and Massachusetts law. The Personal Representative you name will manage legal, financial, and administrative tasks that can last months or longer, so the decision deserves careful thought.
An Executor, now called a Personal Representative...
What Legal Aspects Should I Consider When Buying a Home?
Buying a home in Massachusetts involves more than price and location; it requires you to review the legal documents that determine who owns the property and what rights you are receiving. You should pay close attention to title records, the type of deed being delivered, and any issues that could affect the...
How Will My Estate Be Affected if One of My Heirs Files for Bankruptcy?
When an heir files for bankruptcy, it can affect how and when they receive their inheritance. Because bankruptcy involves liquidating or restructuring a person’s assets to pay off creditors, any inheritance they’re entitled to may become part of their bankruptcy estate. Timing, estate structure, and asset protection measures all determine what happens...
How Long Does the Probate Process Usually Take?
The probate process in Massachusetts generally takes between nine months and a year to complete, though certain estates can take longer depending on their size and complexity. The process involves validating the will, identifying heirs, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets according to state law. Several factors, including court schedules, disputes...
What Is a Testamentary Trust?
A testamentary trust is a type of trust created through a person’s Last Will & Testament that only takes effect after their death. It allows you to control how and when your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries, often providing structure and protection for loved ones who may not be ready to...
First Steps in Creating an Estate Plan
Starting an estate plan may seem like a daunting task, but it begins with a few straightforward steps. The goal is to organize your affairs, protect loved ones, and ensure your wishes are carried out if something happens to you.
This guide outlines the initial steps Massachusetts residents should...
What Are Special Needs Trusts Used For
Planning for the long-term care and financial security of a loved one with disabilities requires careful legal guidance. A special needs trust (SNT) is a powerful tool that allows a person with disabilities to receive financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
How Massachusetts Probate Law Impacts the Sale of a Decedent’s Real Estate
Selling real estate after the death of a loved one can be a complex process, especially in Massachusetts, where probate law plays a central role. For residents of Westport and surrounding areas, understanding how probate law affects the sale of a decedent’s property is essential for ensuring a smooth transaction and avoiding...
How Often Should I Review & Update My Estate Plan?
Estate planning is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take for your future and your loved ones. But creating a last will and testament, trust, or other planning documents isn’t a one-time event. Life has a way of changing—sometimes quickly—and if your plan doesn’t keep up, it may not reflect...
How Does Massachusetts Law Affect Your Estate Planning Strategy?
When it comes to estate planning, one size does not fit all. Every state has its own rules about probate, taxes, and family protections, and Massachusetts is no exception. If you live here, understanding how these laws shape your plan is just as important as deciding who inherits your home or how...