Our Attorneys help our clients to build, protect and preserve their wealth, both for themselves and for their heirs. We advise individuals and corporate executives on matters regarding both tax and financial planning, and estate and trust administration. In this way, we serve as counselors and personal advisors to individuals and corporations.

Our estate planning services include a comprehensive and continuous analysis of the client's assets and income in relation to their financial and personal goals. We also counsel owners of closely-held businesses, as to succession planning and related matters. We advise individuals and trustees on estate, gift and tax planning and asset protection planning. We draft wills and probate estates, establish and terminate trusts.

Estate Planning

If an individual has assets, making a long-term estate plan is not an option, it's a necessity. A well-developed plan is one of the best gifts you can leave your loved ones because it contains some of the most important decisions that you will make about their future and well-being. The process of estate planning requires an understanding of how your assets will pass at death as well as how your assets will be taxed at death. The earlier you begin, the more choices you'll have. This material is not intended as legal advice; for this you should consult your attorney.

 

There are four important issues that need to be considered in connection with establish a comprehensive estate plan.

Income taxes Long Term Care Probate Estate Taxes 1. Income taxes play a major role in everyones life: They are one of the most significant expenses that we encounter during our lifetime and need to be addressed as part of your financial plan. There are many legal and approved methods to minimize one's income tax obligations. 2. Long Term Care: Some years ago families were much larger and were much closer geographically. When a family member became ill and needed care, another family member was usually available to provide assistance. Today, with shrinking family sizes and increasing geographic distance, when an elderly family member needs care, the family turns to institutions for assistance. Payment of the cost for that care is a significant expense. In Massachusetts, the cost approaches $6,000 per month. Medicaid is only available to impoverished individuals. 3. Probate: The judicial process by which assets pass through your will to your heirs. 4. Estate Taxes: A tax on passing your assets to you family and friends after your death.

The role of an estate planner is to examine each of these potential exposures and advise you of the best way, consistent with your objectives and goals, to plan for each. In practice, estate planning is an interdisciplinary practice, involving professionals from different areas such as accountants, stock brokers, certified financial planners and attorneys. Non single individual is qualified to examine and advise you on each and every aspect of your estate plan. A team of dedicated professionals interacting with each other will yield the best result on your behalf.

ESTATE PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE: Effective estate planning requires that all relevant information concerning your personal, family and financial situation be assembled. This form as been prepared to aid you in organizing that information. If insufficient space is provided for any information, please include it on a separate sheet.