Do I really need a Trust?
Estate planning attorneys love trusts. Of course we do. They are the most flexible and powerful tool in our tool kit. Trusts can mean the difference between a squandered inheritance,...
Major Changes to Estate Planning with Retirement Accounts
With the rush of the holiday season behind us, the long march of winter provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our goals for the rest of the year....
When are Kids Old Enough to Handle an Inheritance?
You’ve worked tirelessly for decades, building a comfortable life for yourself and your family. You’ve made sacrifices, lived within your means, and saved wisely. And now, you’re faced with the...
Recent Court Decision Highlights Dangers in Medicaid Planning in Massachusetts
On May 30 the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court published their decision on Daley v. Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The case focused on two common...
The Dusty Binder: When Good Estate Plans Go Bad
Jim and Sally did everything right… or so they thought. They grew up in strong, middle class families, did well in school, and had many friends. Jim had a successful...
Four Reasons to Own Life Insurance
Let’s face it: most people are averse to life insurance. For permanent policies, the premiums are high, and the payouts typically don’t happen until you die. Couple that with the...
How Wealthy People Avoid Estate Taxes
The Basics The estate and gift tax is a tax on the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next. The tax is levied when a transfer occurs, which...
Your New Year’s Resolution Starts with a Phone Call (or email).
The holiday season is a time of great religious and economic significance. And even in our busy lives, it is a time for reflection. For many of us, the fruits...
Top Five Methods of Charitable Giving
A colleague and I have recently devoted some time to developing a new facet of estate planning that we call “Zero Tax Planning.” The idea is simple. First, we use...
Does Having A Will Avoid Probate?
Does Having A Will Avoid Probate? There is a common misconception that having a valid will allows a decedent to avoid probate. This is completely false. When someone dies without...