Creating an estate plan was something my husband and I talked about doing for years. We knew it was important, yet kept pushing it further down on our to-do list since we were healthy, childless and had a hard time facing our mortality. When I became pregnant with my second son, we decided the time […]
probate
What’s the Difference Between a Probate Attorney and an Estate Planning Attorney?
Attorneys love their jargon. Well, we don’t love it. But it’s hard to escape using it, when it means specific things. One question that I’ve heard come up is, “What kind of attorney do I need?” and, “I don’t even know what to look for.” When it comes to finding the right attorney, I always […]
Should I Use an Online Service to Write My Own Will?
In theory, the idea of using an online “automated” service to draft your will sounds wonderful. These services are marketed as fast, easy and affordable. We are all short on time and you may think that drafting a will from your laptop while sitting on the couch is far easier than hiring an attorney to […]
Do You Need a Trust?
I am frequently asked whether a trust is necessary, and I give the most legal answer I know: It depends. There are many different types of trusts, that serve many different purposes. They can shelter assets to reduce estate tax liability, protect privacy during the probate process, provide for responsible financial management of a minor […]
4 Gifts to Give Your Loved Ones When You Die
What do we leave our loved ones when we die? We leave legacies of love and sometimes legacies of wealth. In the immediate aftermath of your demise, your loved ones will be struggling with their grief and trying to manage many logistical details that they have never faced before. For a program at The First […]
6 Things Every Executor Should Know about MA Probate
“Probate.” You’ve heard the term. Usually, it’s uttered with the phrase “avoiding probate” or “dealing with probate.” No one ever wants to talk about probate. Except maybe probate and estate planning attorneys. Here are the 6 most frequently asked questions I get about probate in Massachusetts. As a preliminary matter, Massachusetts no longer uses the […]