Estate Planning Services Near You
While nobody wants to think about incapacity or death, establishing an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Proper estate planning not only puts you in control of your assets, it can also spare your loved ones of the expense, delay and frustration associated with managing your affairs if you become incapacitated and after you are gone.
What is Estate Planning?
At the Socius Law Firm, we believe estate planning is a process where you design a blueprint that:
- allows you to control your property when you are alive and well
- enables you to control how your & your loved ones are cared for in the event of incapacity
- allows you to control how your assets are managed, used and passed in the event of your death
- enables you to save every last tax dollar, professional and court cost
While this is typically accomplished through a set of estate planning documents, it is crucial to keep in mind that estate planning is not only about the documents themselves. It is about making a series of informed decisions and taking a series of thoughtful actions, all of which are designed to ensure that in the event of your incapacity or death, things will transition in the way you would have hoped, with the least disruption possible and with minimal or no intrusion by the court.
Why is Estate Planning Important?
Having an estate plan in place gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your assets and affairs will be handled in accordance with your wishes. Without a proper estate plan, your assets may be distributed according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which may not align with your preferences.
Moreover, an estate plan can help minimize estate taxes, legal fees, and other financial burdens that could reduce the value of your estate. Additionally, it can safeguard your legacy by ensuring that your family, friends, and favorite charities receive your assets in the manner that you intend.
Who Should Have an Estate Plan Near Me?
When many people hear the term “estate planning,” the first thought that comes to mind is the super-wealthy who have significant assets with large taxable estates. However, estate planning is about much more than estate taxes. The fact is, everyone should have an estate plan, especially those with minor children, or those who have special needs children or family members. In addition, those who own businesses, real estate, or have retirement accounts should also consider a comprehensive estate plan.
Many people mistakenly believe that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but that is not the case. Regardless of the size of one’s estate, estate planning is important to ensure that assets are distributed according to one’s wishes, minimize taxes, and avoid costly legal battles among family members.
Socius Law Firm Estate Planning Services Near You
At Socius Law Firm, we understand the complexities and importance of estate planning. Our Estate Planning attorney provides a wide range of estate planning services, including:
Wills
A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for your minor children and appoint a personal representative to carry out your wishes. Our attorneys can help you create a will that reflects your desires and complies with Massachusetts law.
Trusts (Revocable and Irrevocable)
Trusts are legal arrangements that allow you to transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee, who holds and manages them for the benefit of your beneficiaries. There are several types of trusts, including revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts. Our attorneys can help you choose the right type of trust for your situation and goals.
Probate
Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets and settling their affairs. A well-designed estate plan can help minimize the time, costs, and complexities of probate, while preserving your family’s privacy and avoiding disputes. Our attorneys can help you navigate probate and litigate any contested matters.
Trust Administration
After an individual passes away, their trust must be properly administered, which can include making distributions to beneficiaries, filing required tax returns, and managing assets. Our attorneys are experienced in trust administration and can assist trustees in navigating the complexities of the process.
Massachusetts Estate Tax Planning
Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates worth more than a certain threshold, which is subject to change. Our attorneys can help you minimize or eliminate your Massachusetts estate tax liability by using a variety of strategies, such as gifting, trusts, and charitable donations.
Business Succession Planning
For small business owners, planning for the transfer of business ownership and management is critical. Our attorneys can assist with developing a comprehensive business succession plan that protects your interests and ensures the continued success of your business.
Incapacity Planning
Incapacity planning is the process of preparing for the possibility that you may become unable to make decisions for yourself, due to illness, injury, or aging. Our attorneys can help you create advance directives, such as powers of attorney and healthcare proxies, to appoint trusted individuals to act on your behalf and implement your wishes.
Kids Safeguard Planning
At the Socius Law Firm, we have developed an expertise in planning for the well-being and care of children should the unthinkable happen. We call this advanced legal planning – Kids Safeguard Planning.
Estate Planning Near Me
If you are looking for estate planning services near you, look no further than Socius Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys are here to help guide you through the estate planning process and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.