Estate Planning
Planning for the future and uncertainty can be difficult. And no one really likes to think about the three “D’s”, death, dying, and disability, let alone talk about them. Yet, one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones is to document your wishes and plan for the future. An effective estate plan establishes who will handle your affairs should you become disabled and how your assets will be distributed at your death.
At a minimum, an estate plan should include a Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy, a Living Will and a HIPAA Authorization.
Susan will work with you to clarify and document your wishes and implement a plan to achieve your estate planning goals. Some things to consider: do you have young children who would need a guardian if both you and your spouse died; are your assets titled properly so that your estate avoids probate; could a revocable living trust help meet your estate planning goals; is there some estate tax planning you can do? Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates valued over one million dollars.
At a minimum, an estate plan should include a Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy, a Living Will and a HIPAA Authorization.
Susan will work with you to clarify and document your wishes and implement a plan to achieve your estate planning goals. Some things to consider: do you have young children who would need a guardian if both you and your spouse died; are your assets titled properly so that your estate avoids probate; could a revocable living trust help meet your estate planning goals; is there some estate tax planning you can do? Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates valued over one million dollars.
Estate Administration
Estate Administration is the collection, inventory and appraisal of assets, collection and payment of debts and distribution of the remaining assets of a deceased person in accordance with his or her Will (or as specified by the laws of Massachusetts if there is no Will). It can be challenging to know where to begin. Administration of an estate can be simple or complex, depending on the circumstances. Did the deceased person have a Will? Is there a living trust in place and was it funded before death? How did the deceased person hold title to his or her property? Is there real estate that needs to be sold? Did he or she own real estate outside of Massachusetts? What role if any will the probate court have in the administration of the estate? Is a federal or Massachusetts estate tax return necessary?
Contact Susan for a complimentary consultation. Whether simple or complex, Susan will guide you through the process each step of the way.
Contact Susan for a complimentary consultation. Whether simple or complex, Susan will guide you through the process each step of the way.