Estate Planning Attorneys
Estate Planning Attorneys
Helping you plan for the future
Baker Law Group attorneys offer experienced legal representation to guide you through the estate planning process. With offices in Hingham, Plymouth, Brockton, and Holliston, we assist Massachusetts residents to develop or refine their estate plan.
Estate planning has many purposes. One major component is the detailed arrangements for the disbursement of property and assets upon one’s death. With an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. This process works to avoid any confusion or uncertainty. An estate plan can also define how to handle events if you are unable to make financial or healthcare decisions during your life.
An estate planning attorney specializes in estate and probate laws, tax laws, and elder care. They are familiar with the many tools available to you including those described below. This experience will help you create a plan that is right for you.
Arranging for Life Events
Your estate plan is individualized. Our attorneys can help you plan ahead for life events.
- Marriage
- Children
- Physical and legal incapacitation
- Care of dependents
- Divorce
- Retirement
- Nursing home and long-term care
- Death
Benefits of Estate Planning
Planning ahead for major life events is beneficial for both you and your family.
- Be certain that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.
- Appoint a trusted guardian for children or elderly relatives.
- Provide support for disabled or minor children.
- Reduce or avoid the estate taxes.
- Save your family time and money by avoiding the probate process.
- Articulate your wishes in the event of a medical emergency.
- Leave your money or property to charitable organizations.
Death is always a difficult time for families. Dying without an estate plan can cost one’s family a great deal of time and money. Our estate planning attorneys can help you create a plan to eliminate any added stress on your friends and family upon your death.
Estate Planning Tools
Below are a few of the various tools that our estate planning attorneys may use to create an estate plan.
Last Will and Testament
A will is the primary legal document used to transfer property in an estate upon death. It designates who will inherit property and assets, and names the Personnal Representative who will distribute your estate. A will can name a guardian for your children and instructions as where you would like to be buried. Dying without a valid will is called intestacy and requires the use of complex Massachusetts law to divide your assets.
Trusts
Trusts are a way to transfer your assets or property to a beneficiary. They can help to avoid the probate process and minimize estate taxes. A trust can come into effect during your lifetime, or it can be created through your will upon your death. There are many types of trusts and our attorneys will recommend the best trust for your estate plan. Read more on Types of Trusts.
Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney is an authorization for someone else to make decisions on your behalf, including decisions about your property and financial decisions. You can choose the scope and purpose of the authorization. This document remains in effect if you become disabled or incapacitated, and authorization can be permanent, temporary, or revocable. Read more on Durable Powers of Attorney.
Joint Tenancy
Owning a property in joint tenancy with another person allows the property to automatically pass to that person upon your death. Other assets such as bank accounts and cars can also be owned in joint tenancy. A will is not needed to transfer a property through joint tenancy.
Prenuptial Agreement
A prenuptial agreement (often referred to as a “prenup”) is a way to protect your assets if you get divorced. A prenup is a contract between you and your future spouse that is signed before the marriage. The agreements usually include provisions for spousal support and division of assets. If you are already married, postnuptial agreements serve the same purpose as prenups. Read more on Premarital Agreements.
Estate Planning Mediation
Instead of privately drafting a will with your attorney, mediation includes your family in the discussion of your estate plan. It is a great way to avoid surprises in your will that could lead to conflict between your family members after your death. Wills can include a mediation clause, which mandates mediation instead of litigation to solve disputes over your will.
Estate Planning Lawyers Can Help
Life is uncertain. It is important to plan for the future to ease the burden on your family and friends when uncertain events occur. Regardless of the size of your estate, an estate planning lawyer will work with you to create the best estate plan for you and your family.
Contact Us
Complete our online form to Schedule a Free Consultation or call Baker Law Group at 781-996-5656 or 800-701-0352 to set up a confidential meeting. Consultations are available by phone or at one of our offices in Hingham, Plymouth, Brockton, and Holliston.