You hope that your estate plan will distribute your assets as you see fit and without any issues. But estate plan contests occur all the time, threatening familial relationships and costing estates thousands of dollars in litigation fees. They also sometimes result in...
The death of a loved one is always a difficult time for families. This is made more complicated when there is no estate plan in place, especially in Massachusetts. Understanding the consequences can help families manage the situation more effectively, and hopefully,...
In Massachusetts, creating a will is a key part of being vigilant and prepared for the future. However, just because they have completed and executed the document does not mean it is set in stone. How is a will revoked? State law says that a will can be revoked in...
If you’re the executor of a loved one’s or friend’s estate, you may learn (or have already known) that they designated that their home, along with the furniture and other belongings in it, be sold after they died. Generally, when people stipulate this, they also...
One key decision to make when creating your estate plan is whether or not you want your estate to pass through probate. You might want it to reassure the beneficiaries that a court is overseeing things. Or, you may not have that many assets to worry about and value...
If your spouse has been abusive toward you or cheated on you, you may have felt trapped in a miserable marriage. Some people, for medical, religious or personal reasons, cannot file for divorce even when they have a truly toxic relationship with their spouse. If you...
There are a lot of personal factors that you have to consider when planning your estate. For example, which family members will receive your biggest assets? Who will manage your affairs if you become incapacitated and after you die? With all the focus on end-of-life...
While plenty of people feel like trusts are only for the wealthiest people and couples in the U.S., the truth is that trusts are beneficial to individuals from all walks of life. Trusts can be used to help pass down assets, could hold life insurance benefits after you...
The end of life has many similarities with the beginning. You may need help to eat or bathe, and you may need someone else to make decisions on your behalf. As a child, your parents do this for you. As an adult, you can use an advanced health care directive to have...
When you have a loved one with special needs, you often have to think more carefully about their circumstances than you would for someone without those needs. The kind of special needs someone has, their age and the benefits they currently receive can all impact the...
