The 10 Legal Resolutions Everyone Needs for 2025
The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals that protect your family, finances, and future. While many people focus on health, career, or personal growth resolutions, your legal and financial well-being deserves just as much attention. Here are the 10 legal resolutions everyone should consider for 2025 to ensure […]
How We Stopped a Foreclosure Auction: A Case for Proactive Estate Planning
How We Stopped a Foreclosure Auction: A Case for Proactive Estate Planning When a foreclosure auction is imminent, acting quickly is essential to protect a family’s property and financial interests. Recently, I had the opportunity to assist a client facing this exact situation. While we achieved a successful outcome, the case highlights the critical importance […]
The Power of Attorney Dilemma: Why Timing and Competence Matter
Imagine this scenario: A family is in crisis. A father is unconscious in the hospital, and the family needs access to his financial accounts to manage bills and expenses. They’re told by the bank that a power of attorney (POA) is required, but they learn it’s too late. This is a situation no family wants […]
Planning for Non-Citizen Spouses: Understanding the Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT)
Estate planning for non-citizen spouses presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to preserving the federal estate tax marital deduction. Without proper planning, a significant portion of a decedent’s estate could be subject to immediate taxation, even when left to a surviving spouse. A Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT) can help bridge this gap, offering both […]
Family Home Dilema
What Happens When Siblings Can’t Agree on an Inherited Family Home? When a family inherits a home, it’s often more than just a piece of real estate—it’s a place filled with memories and emotional value. However, when multiple siblings inherit a property without a clear estate plan, disagreements can quickly arise. These conflicts may lead […]
Myth: Irrevocable Trusts Mean You Lose All Control Over Your Assets
When clients hear the word “irrevocable” in the context of estate planning, they often imagine locking away their assets forever, with no ability to adjust, adapt, or influence how the trust operates. This is one of the most persistent myths about irrevocable trusts. While these trusts are indeed designed to be unchangeable in certain ways, […]
What Happens to Your Assets If You Die Without a Will or Trust?
Planning for the future can be overwhelming, but one question that often gets overlooked is: What happens if I die without a will or trust? The answer isn’t straightforward. Without an estate plan, your assets are subject to state intestacy laws, which can lead to unintended consequences and complications for your loved ones. What Does […]
The Perfect Partnership: How Financial Advisors and Estate Planning Attorneys Can Work Together to Serve Clients
When it comes to securing financial stability and protecting wealth, clients often turn to financial advisors for guidance. While financial planning lays the groundwork for wealth accumulation, estate planning ensures that a client’s financial legacy is protected and distributed according to their wishes. Together, these two disciplines create a comprehensive strategy that not only grows […]
Three Essential Steps for Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning in Massachusetts
As a parent, planning for your children’s future is one of the most important responsibilities you have. While no one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, creating an estate plan ensures your kids are protected if something unexpected happens. Massachusetts law provides tools that can help parents safeguard their children’s well-being and financial security. This […]
How to Talk About Estate Planning With Your Family Without Awkwardness
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your family’s future, protect your assets, and ensure your wishes are honored. But when it comes to discussing these plans with family, it’s common to feel uncomfortable or unsure about how to approach the topic. After all, estate planning involves sensitive […]
