Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning And Probate Services
At Ravosa Law Offices, P.C., our probate and estate planning attorneys have significant experience helping people plan their estates and manage the probate administration process. We will work to define your goals, maximize the value of your estate, and ensure your wishes are followed.
We provide probate and estate planning services throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from offices in Boston, Worcester, Natick, Hyannis, and Springfield. Call a local office or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.
Estate Planning Promotes Protection And Peace Of Mind
Often, the most important and meaningful things in life can be difficult to discuss, such as making a will or handling the financial and legal affairs of a loved one, friend, or family member who has passed away. Our Massachusetts estate planning attorneys are committed to effectively helping you with wills, trusts, health care proxies, durable power of attorney, or a more complex estate plan to serve your objectives.
Who Should Make A Will?
If you care about what happens to your property after you pass away, you should have a will. If you pass away without a will in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth has laws in place to direct who inherits your property. Unfortunately, that could mean that your relatives, friends, and charities get nothing.
Durable Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney is an important part of any estate plan. It gives a trusted person the authority to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated and are unable to do so on your own.
Massachusetts Health Care Proxies
A Massachusetts health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to name someone you know and trust to make health care decisions for you in case you become unable to make or communicate your own decisions. The person you name is often called your “agent.” Your agent will have full authority to make your health care decisions, so it is important to discuss your wishes with your agent before any incapacity occurs.
Trusts
Many people are unclear about what a trust is, how it differs from a will, and what it can and cannot do. There are several types of trusts, but the one main benefit of most trusts is that they will keep your estate out of probate after your death and allow for greater privacy regarding your estate and those receiving the benefits of your thoughtful planning.
What To Do When Someone Passes Away
What do I need to do now? That is a question that most people ask after the loss of a loved one – especially if they have been tasked with administering the loved one’s estate. As you orient yourself to the task of probating the estate, an estate administration lawyer from Ravosa Law Offices, P.C. can be an invaluable resource. Here are some basic tasks:
- Obtain the death certificate from the coroner or funeral director.
- Contact local authorities if the death occurred at home.
- Consider organ and tissue donation if the deceased was a donor.
- Notify family and friends. Delegate calls to save time and energy.
- Check for any instructions left by the deceased regarding funeral and burial preferences.
- Determine if the deceased was a member of a burial or memorial society that may provide special arrangements.
- Contact a funeral home to arrange burial or cremation.
- Finalize funeral and burial arrangements.
- Inform the Social Security Administration and any other relevant government agencies or benefit programs.
- Review the deceased’s financial and legal documents. Look for:
- Wills, trusts, and estate planning documents
- Funeral and burial plans
- Safe deposit box agreements and keys
- Nuptial agreements
- Life insurance policies
- Pension or retirement benefits
- Tax returns (current and previous)
- Marriage, birth and death certificates
- Divorce documentation
- Computer records of business or personal assets
- Bank statements and checkbooks
- Notes receivable
- Vehicle titles
- Leases
- Securities
- Business ownership or interest documents
- Health insurance claims for the final illness
- Unpaid bills
As the administrator of the estate, it is your job to collect all this paperwork, identify all of the person’s assets and debts, pay the outstanding debts with assets from the estate, pay any final taxes and distribute the remainder of the estate to the beneficiaries. An estate administration attorney from Ravosa Law Offices, P.C. can assist you with as much or as little of the probate administration process as you feel is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning And Probate Administration
As experienced probate and estate planning attorneys, we answer many questions from clients. Here are answers to some common ones.
Where is the line between estate planning and estate administration?
Estate planning involves preparing documents and strategies to manage and distribute your assets during your lifetime and after your death. This includes creating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Estate administration, on the other hand, occurs after someone has passed away. It involves managing and distributing the deceased’s assets according to their estate plan or state law if no plan exists. Essentially, estate planning is the preparation, and estate administration is the execution of those plans.
Do you need a lawyer to create estate planning documents?
While it is not legally required to have a lawyer create your estate planning documents, it is highly advisable. Estate planning involves complex legal and financial decisions. An estate planning lawyer can help ensure your documents comply with Massachusetts law and reflect your wishes accurately. Without professional assistance, your estate plan may be incomplete or invalid, leading to complications for your heirs. An estate planning attorney can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation, helping you avoid common pitfalls.
What happens if you do not have an estate plan?
If you do not have an estate plan, Massachusetts state law will determine how your assets are distributed. This process, called intestate succession, may not align with your wishes. It can also lead to lengthy legal proceedings and potential disputes among your heirs. Without an estate plan, you lose control over who inherits your assets and how they are managed. Additionally, not having an estate plan can result in higher taxes and administrative costs, reducing the overall value of your estate.
Contact Our Probate And Estate Planning Attorneys Today
Whether you need the peace of mind that comes from having an estate plan or are tasked with administering a loved one’s estate, we are available to help. Call a local office or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.
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