After someone dies, the person named as executor of the estate must find the will and have it probated in Massachusetts probate court. If the executor cannot find the will, it could delay the process and keep the beneficiaries from receiving their inheritances in a...
The federal government has set up estate tax laws that deplete an inheritance every time it is passed from one generation to the next. Caring.com explains that people in Massachusetts who want to avoid this double and triple taxation on their wealth may be able to...
One of the last things that many Massachusetts families consider doing is planning their estate. For many folks, they do not see the value in spending time and resources to plan their future when their immediate situation is satisfactory, comfortable and successful....
Many parents in Massachusetts take care of the special needs of their children with autism without a second thought as to their authority to be a child’s decision maker. However, when their child becomes a legal adult, things change. According to Autism Speaks Inc.,...
People can begin making most types of estate plans as soon as they turn 18. However, most people do not seriously consider these documents until they are much older. There are many types of documents to have on the books in the event you become incapable of making...
Whether you have a will or not, when you die, someone has to take over the duties related to legally closing your Massachusetts estate (unless all your assets are jointly owned or distributed to beneficiaries named in, for example, life insurance policies, retirement...
You set up a trust years ago, and you've been putting assets such as your home in Massachusetts into it, updating it as needed. After all, you are determined that your beneficiaries get all of your assets with as few tax consequences as possible. However, what if the...
There are a wide variety of issues that couples often have to work through when they end their marriage and in the wake of their divorce. From financial matters such as property distribution, child support payments and alimony to custody disputes and parental...
Trustees shoulder a lot of responsibility, and when people set up irrevocable trusts as part of their Massachusetts estate plan, they generally put a lot of thought into whether to choose a person, a professional or an institution. After the designation is made,...
If you have accepted the job of executor for a deceased loved one or friend, you may feel overwhelmed when you learn about the size of the estate and what is involved.The good news is that you can proceed in a step-by-step manner and rely on professional help whenever...