Rarely is guardianship a quick and easy decision. For most people, the thought of not being there is difficult enough, never mind deciding who should fill that role. If you're wrestling with this, you're not alone. The decision is not easy, but below are some tips on selecting guardians for … [Read more...]
Things to Know Before Signing a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is often included in estate planning. It's an extremely powerful document, and one that should be fully understood before executed. Here are a few things you should know before signing a power of attorney. 1 - You Can Make Them Limited It's a common misconception that a power … [Read more...]
Assets Not Subject to Probate in Massachusetts
As you think about estate planning, it's worth noting that not all assets are subject to probate. Special consideration must be made for these types of assets. Here are some of the most common assets not subject to probate in Massachusetts. 1 - Joint Tenancy Real Estate When you purchase a home … [Read more...]
Massachusetts Probate Process in 5 Steps
In Massachusetts, estates must go through probate court for settlement. This can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the circumstances. Here's a closer look at the Massachusetts probate process in 5 steps. Step 1 - Estate Administration & Intestate Succession After … [Read more...]
Massachusetts Intestate Succession Laws to Determine Heirs
When you die without a will or have an invalid will, the courts will determine heirs based on Massachusetts intestate succession laws. Think of it as a formula based on whether you are married, have children and/or have other living relatives. Here are some common scenarios. Single Without … [Read more...]
