There is a sizable checklist of “things to do” for many estate planners that ranges widely from will/trust execution and heir/beneficiary designations to inheritances and health care-related instructions. In almost all cases, say multiple commentators in a recent article focused upon financial management in the estate planning realm, that bulleted list should also have this […]
Cleaning your financial house for future generations Read More »
Aging is an important part of life, and we all have to be prepared for it. If you have parents or another loved one who are becoming frail you may be worried about their care and well-being in the near future. There are many ways that you can be sure they will be well taken
When a guardian or conservator is needed Read More »
Some Massachusetts estates need to be probated, and others don’t. What accounts for the difference? That query actually drives this fundamental question: What is probate? Probate administration in Massachusetts and other states is a process that focuses on a number of matters relevant to property, the rights of heirs, estate debt, taxes and related issues.
Probate often cited in estate planning: What exactly is it? Read More »
A commentator in a recent article addressing estate administration makes an interesting point regarding planning. On the one hand, she notes, few of us would simply embark on a vacation trip without giving some advance thought to our schedule, itinerary, booking specifics and so forth. We generally like to eliminate the unknown to some degree,
Here’s a family-centric New Year’s resolution Read More »
If you’re a parent, planning for your child’s future is paramount. Having your estate in order to allocate assets and establish guardianship in your absence is a prudent measure, but some parents have unique situations to consider. If you have a special needs child that’s nearing the age of 18, you may need to look
Pondering guardianship when your special needs child turns 18 Read More »
At The Law Offices of Kimberly Butler Rainen in Andover, we believe in providing comprehensive estate planning services that cover a wide range of needs. Estate administration encompasses various aspects, including asset preservation, tax strategies, heir designations, and distributions. It also involves areas such as charitable giving, guardian and conservatorship appointments, as well as will
What is a Massachusetts health care proxy? Read More »
“Lengthy, laborious and complex.” That is how we termed the duties of many estate executors in a recent blog post focused on that important role. Indeed, we noted in our October 13 blog entry that “many executors find that what they thought would be a relatively quick and painless process is, well, not.” That reality
Managing an estate as executor: a few things to consider Read More »
As noted by a contributor to a recent national piece on estate administration, the planning inclination for many individuals and couples is dulled by narrowly focused objectives regarding their kids. More specifically, that means this, as posed in the form of a rhetorical query: If my children all get along and I’m simply leaving everything
Estate plan musing: how to begin thinking about things Read More »
Forbes writer Nancy Anderson has inside knowledge when she relates the tale of a financial planner who failed for years to note — and amend — a key estate planning recommendation she had once made but long since forgotten about. Because the advice she rendered was to herself. When she was younger and newly divorced,
Why periodically revisiting your estate plan is essential Read More »
Having children forces difficult conversations. When you have children, it’s hard to think about some of those long talks you’ll have over the years: about dating, bad news and life choices. But you also know that it’s important to sit down and be open about your beliefs because the alternative is even worse. Guardianship is
Why parents need to name a guardian Read More »
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