Estate Planning

When a Massachusetts resident dies owning real estate in another state, that out-of-state property usually has to go through a second probate proceeding, called ancillary probate, in the state where the property is located. That means two court processes, two sets of fees, and two sets of delays for your family. The simplest way to

To protect the property you leave your child from their divorce in Massachusetts, leave it to them in a properly drafted trust rather than outright. Massachusetts is unusually aggressive about what a divorce court can divide. Unlike most states, it is an “all-property” state, which means a judge can reach an inheritance your child received

You can structure charitable giving through your Massachusetts estate plan in several ways, ranging from a simple bequest in your will or trust to more advanced tools like a donor-advised fund, a charitable remainder trust, or a charitable lead trust. The right structure depends on three questions: do you want to give during life or

For asset protection in Massachusetts, an irrevocable trust is the right tool, not a revocable trust. A revocable trust offers no protection from creditors, lawsuits, or long-term care costs, because you keep full control and can pull the assets back whenever you want, so the law still treats them as yours. An irrevocable trust can