Estate Planning Attorney · Westborough, MA
Estate Planning for Westborough & MetroWest Families
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 the expense, delay, and frustration of managing your affairs if you become incapacitated and after you are gone.
For nearly 30 years, Attorney Todd Rosenfield has helped families throughout Westborough, Worcester County, and MetroWest Boston plan with confidence.
Understanding Estate Planning
What Is Estate Planning?
At Socius Law Firm, we believe estate planning is a process where you design a blueprint that lets you:
Keep control of your property while you're alive and well
Decide how you and your loved ones will be cared for if you become incapacitated
Direct how your assets are managed, used, and passed on after your death
Minimize taxes, professional fees, and court costs for your family
While this is typically accomplished through a set of estate planning documents, estate planning is not only about the documents themselves. It's about making informed decisions and taking thoughtful actions so that, in the event of your incapacity or death, things transition the way you would have hoped, with the least disruption possible and minimal or no court involvement. Already have a plan? Learn when to review and update it.
Peace of Mind
Why Estate Planning Matters
Why Is Estate Planning Important?
An estate plan gives you the peace of mind of knowing your assets and affairs will be handled according to your wishes. Without one, your assets may be distributed according to Massachusetts law, which may not match your preferences.
A plan can also help minimize estate taxes, legal fees, and other costs that reduce the value of your estate, and safeguard your legacy by ensuring your family, friends, and favorite charities receive your assets the way you intend.
Who Should Have an Estate Plan?
When many people hear "estate planning," they think of the very wealthy with large taxable estates. But estate planning is about much more than estate taxes. Regardless of the size of your estate, a plan ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizes taxes, and helps avoid costly disputes among family members.
Everyone should have an estate plan, especially parents of minor children, families with special needs children or family members, and anyone who owns a business, real estate, or retirement accounts.
Estate Planning Services
How Socius Law Firm Can Help
Attorney Rosenfield provides a wide range of estate planning services, including:
Wills
A will outlines your wishes for distributing your assets after your death, lets you name guardians for your minor children, and appoints a personal representative to carry out your wishes, all in compliance with Massachusetts law.
Trusts (Revocable & Irrevocable)
Trusts let you transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee who manages them for your beneficiaries. Attorney Rosenfield will help you choose the right type, including revocable, irrevocable, and special needs trusts.
Probate
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's affairs. A well-designed estate plan can minimize its time, cost, and complexity, and when probate is needed, Attorney Rosenfield guides families through it.
Trust Administration
After someone passes away, their trust must be properly administered, including making distributions, filing required tax returns, and managing assets. Attorney Rosenfield helps trustees navigate each step.
Massachusetts Estate Tax Planning
Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates above a threshold that is subject to change. Strategies such as gifting, trusts, and charitable giving can help minimize or eliminate your Massachusetts estate tax.
Business Succession Planning
For small business owners, planning the transfer of ownership and management is critical. A business succession plan protects your interests and helps your business continue smoothly.
Incapacity Planning
Prepare for the possibility that illness, injury, or aging leaves you unable to make decisions. Powers of attorney and health care proxies let trusted people act on your behalf and carry out your wishes.
Kids' Safeguard Planning
Advanced planning for the well-being and care of your children should the unthinkable happen, so they are always cared for by the people you choose, in the way you want.
Elder Law & MassHealth Planning
Planning for long-term care, MassHealth eligibility, and protecting your home and savings, so your estate plan also covers the costs and decisions that come with aging.
Learn More
The Socius Experience
Working With Socius →
What to expect when you work with Attorney Rosenfield.
Estate Planning Packages →
Four levels of planning, each tailored to your family.
How We Are Different →
Why our clients value a lasting, lawyer-for-life relationship.
Our Estate Planning Process →
Our six-step process, from your first meeting to signing.
Schedule Appointment →
Book your free consultation online.
Virtual Estate Planning →
Plan from home by Zoom, with a secure online portal.
Why You Need a Plan →
What happens in Massachusetts if you don't have a plan.
Will vs. Trust →
A side-by-side comparison of your options.
Benefits of a Revocable Trust →
Five key reasons to consider a living trust.
Your Estate Planning Attorney
Todd Rosenfield, Esq.
Estate Planning, Elder Law & Probate Attorney · Socius Law Firm
Todd Rosenfield has advised Massachusetts families on estate planning and probate since 1997. From the firm’s Westborough office, he focuses his practice on estate planning, elder law and MassHealth planning, and probate for families throughout Worcester County and MetroWest. Read Todd’s full bio.
Communities We Serve
Serving Westborough & Surrounding Communities
Socius Law Firm serves families throughout Central Massachusetts and MetroWest Boston. Attorney Rosenfield will guide you through the estate planning process and help ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Boylston · Framingham · Grafton · Holden · Hopkinton · Hudson · Marlborough · Milford · Millbury · Northborough · Shrewsbury · Southborough · Sutton · Upton · Westborough
Get Started
Protect Your Family and Your Legacy
Schedule a free consultation, and you'll work directly with Attorney Rosenfield from your first conversation to the signing of your documents. Meetings are available in person or by Zoom.