Are Living Trusts Right for You in Massachusetts?
Picture this: After decades of hard work, building a home, and accumulating assets, your family faces months of court proceedings, unexpected costs, and stress following your passing. This scenario plays out for many Massachusetts families facing the probate process. But what if there was a way to potentially avoid this outcome? Living trusts offer Massachusetts […]
Is the Estate Tax About to Be History? What the 2025 Budget Resolution Means for Your Estate Plan
On April 10, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Senate-amended federal budget resolution that could lead to one of the most significant shifts in estate planning in decades: the possible elimination of the federal estate tax. This development has major implications for high-net-worth individuals, financial advisors, and estate planning attorneys. While nothing is […]
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Creating Harmony for Your Massachusetts Family’s Future When Sarah remarried after her divorce, she never imagined the estate planning complications that would arise. With two children from her first marriage and a stepchild from her new husband’s previous relationship, she wondered: “How can I make sure everyone I love is protected?” This question echoes across […]
Why Trusts Are Taxed So Heavily—and How to Help Your Clients Avoid It
If you’re a financial advisor, you probably understand the importance of trusts in estate planning. They provide control, protection, and flexibility when it comes to transferring wealth. But there’s a part of the story that doesn’t get enough attention—how trusts are taxed. And the truth might surprise you. In 2024, an irrevocable trust reaches […]
Wills vs. Trusts in Massachusetts: Key Distinctions
Why do Marshfield homeowners need to know both wills and trusts? In Massachusetts, knowing the differences between wills and trusts isn’t just about planning for the future—it’s about protecting your legacy and the people you care about most. A will tells courts how to distribute your assets after death and names guardians for minor children. […]
Estate Planning Horror Story: How One Bad Move Put a Family’s Home at Risk for MassHealth Recovery
When it comes to MassHealth planning and estate protection, one mistake can cost a family hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they’ve made a critical error until it’s too late. In this case, a simple but costly legal mistake turned a perfectly protected home into a financial liability, leaving the family […]
Marshfield, Massachusetts Estate Plans: Changes Post Divorce
How Does Divorce Affect Estate Planning Strategies? Divorce brings significant changes to your life, including estate plans. Because of this, timely updates are essential. In Marshfield, MA, reviewing wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations after divorce is important. Working with a divorce estate planning attorney in Marshfield, MA, will help ensure your estate plan is updated […]
How to Leave an Inheritance to a Financially Irresponsible Child Without Risking Everything
Many parents worry about what will happen if they leave an inheritance to a child who struggles with money. Will they spend it all at once? Lose it to creditors? Use it in ways that don’t align with your wishes? Estate planning isn’t just about deciding who gets what—it’s about protecting assets and ensuring […]
What Happens to Your Pet If You Pass Away? Estate Planning for Pet Owners
For many people, pets are more than just animals—they are family. But what happens if you pass away unexpectedly? Who will take care of your dog, cat, or other beloved pet? Most pet owners assume a family member or friend will step in, but without a legal plan in place, there’s no guarantee. In […]
Why Adding Your Child to Your Bank Account Could Be a Costly Mistake
Many parents add an adult child to their bank account as a way to simplify financial matters. It seems like a smart idea—your child can help with bills, access money in an emergency, and avoid probate when you pass away. But what many people do not realize is that this simple decision can have […]
