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...
Retirement Planning and Its Impact on Estate Planning
When you think about planning for retirement, your first thought might be making sure you have enough income to support yourself after you stop working. But retirement planning does more than provide financial stability in your later years. It also shapes how your assets are managed, protected, and passed on to your...
What Happens After You Pass Away?
Losing a loved one is never easy. Alongside the emotional toll, families are often left with the responsibility of managing the deceased person’s affairs. Whether or not the individual had an estate plan,...
Should I Do Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements?
Considering end-of-life arrangements can be uncomfortable, but planning ahead can provide significant emotional and financial relief for your loved ones. One option more individuals in Massachusetts are exploring is pre-need funeral planning, which involves making and often paying for funeral arrangements in advance.
At The Law Offices of...
Why Is Elder Law Crucial for Your Long-Term Care Planning?
Planning for the future becomes increasingly important as we age, particularly when it comes to healthcare, finances, and housing needs. While many people consider long-term care insurance or savings strategies, fewer realize the pivotal role that elder law plays in protecting both their assets and well-being.
At The...
Pros & Cons of a Life Estate Deed
Estate planning involves making key decisions to protect your assets and ensure a smooth transition of property to your loved ones. One common tool used in Massachusetts is the life estate deed, which allows a person to transfer ownership of real estate while retaining the right to live on the property for...
How to Sell Real Estate in a Probate Estate
Selling real estate during probate can be one of the most complicated aspects of managing a deceased loved one’s estate. In Massachusetts, including Westport, the process involves multiple legal steps, court oversight, and careful attention to fiduciary duties. At The Law Offices of Patricia Bloom-McDonald, we help personal representatives and families...
How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in Massachusetts?
Topics like death, inheritance, and who makes decisions for you if you are incapacitated are challenging to discuss. However, you’ve spent your entire life working hard to accumulate the assets and property you own. Protect it with a comprehensive estate plan. Additionally, with the right estate plan in place, you can...
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts
A trust is a legal entity, separate from yourself, into which you transfer assets for management and distribution. The person who creates the trust, called the grantor, places assets into the trust. Then, a trustee of the grantor’s choosing manages those assets according to the trust’s terms for the benefit of...