Boston Estate Planning Attorney

Not many individuals want to think about what happens to their belongings once they are no longer here. However, no matter your age, it is important to begin discussing and planning how exactly you want your property to be distributed amongst heirs following your death. A comprehensive estate plan can ensure that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected for years to come, and an experienced Boston estate planning attorney can help.

If you are ready to create or update a detailed estate plan, the team at Albanese Law, LLC is here to help. The reality is that no one knows when tragedy might strike, and without a proper estate plan in place, it can make it challenging and even impossible for your wishes to be carried out should you become incapacitated or even pass away. At Albanese Law, LLC, we know how hard you have worked for your assets and property and want to do whatever we can to protect your legacy.

Components of a Comprehensive Boston Estate Plan

Creating a robust and healthy estate plan can seem intimidating and even overwhelming to many folks. This is understandable, as a well-established plan can take a lot of thought and work. However, when you work with the team at Albanese Law, LLC, you can rest assured knowing that we will review your unique life situation and offer our knowledge and guidance on what specific estate planning tools will be suitable for you.

The key components of most Boston estate plans can include the following:

• Wills: A will, or a last will and testament, is a legal document that allows you to dictate how you want your assets and property to be divided and subsequently distributed following your death. A will can only distribute assets that are not already under another distribution tool, such as a trust. Wills can also help establish guardians for any surviving minor children and can appoint an executor to your estate.
• Trusts: Separate from wills, trusts can either replace a will in your estate plan, depending on your circumstances or work in conjunction with a will. Trusts are valuable tools for ensuring that your property goes to intended beneficiaries, that probate court can be potentially avoided, and that you can protect your hard-earned assets from possible erosion due to creditors or certain tax liabilities.
• Power of Attorney: A power of attorney is a legal document that gives authority to another person to act on your behalf when you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your desires on your own due to an illness, injury, or possible age-related condition. Decisions involved in a power of attorney can include any medical or financial decisions and can have a time limit assigned to them, depending on the exact nature of the document.
• Healthcare Proxies: Similar to a power of attorney, but not quite the same, a healthcare proxy allows you to name an individual who can have the power to make healthcare decisions for you in the event you become incapacitated and unable to do so yourself. Keep in mind, however, that a healthcare proxy allows the appointed individual to only make decisions regarding your health or medical care.
• Guardianships: This valuable estate planning tool allows you to name another individual as guardian to protect an adult or minor child who is unable to care for themself due to an incapacitating illness, severe injury, or other medical condition.
• Medicaid Planning: If you have a high net worth, a large monthly income, or highly valued assets, this might be a wise tool to include in your estate plan. Medicaid planning can help ensure you receive the care you need in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or even in your home. Individuals with higher worth, income, or assets might exceed the limits for Medicaid and need to protect these funds while still having access to benefits.
• Asset Protection: No matter how high your net worth or how many valuable assets you own, you will want to ensure that these assets are protected and your heirs receive them at the highest amount possible, rather than having to suffer their reduction due to creditors, tax liabilities, and even legal claims or disputes against your estate. At Albanese Law, LLC, we can work to ensure your estate plan offers asset protection.

Albanese Law, LLC: Estate Planning Lawyers Looking Out For Your Concerns

Whether you already have a plan in place, or you have recently decided to consider ways to protect yourself and your family, it is important to take a deeper look at that protection and whether it is adequate for your situation. If your estate plan is not properly drafted, even the best intentions can be undone. Many estate plans contain errors that could result in problems down the line. Moreover, with Massachusetts adopting the “Uniform Probate Code,” any previously drafted estate planning document(s) should be reviewed.

At Albanese Law, LLC, we offer a complete range of services and experience in estate planning, including issues of:

• Elder law services and representation
• Inheritance and estate tax planning
• Crisis and long-term care planning
• Asset protection concerning children
• Creation of powers of attorney
• Probate and estate administration
• Representation in the appointment of conservatorships and guardianships
• Health care proxy/advance directives
• Drafting of wills and trust documents
• Will contests/probate litigation
• Protection of Medicaid proceeds
• Special needs assistance

Our estate planning relies upon a knowledge-based approach that takes into account the unique circumstances of each client. We know how personal these issues are for a client and are empathetic in our dealing with people and the personal dynamics of every situation. Attorney Matthew Albanese will give you options and advice, but will respect your goals and pursue the outcome that you desire for you and your family.

Health Care Planning For Families

In health care planning and financial planning in Massachusetts, we understand the intricacies of the law and use them to make sure that you understand the documents you are signing and the tools you are using to protect your family. Start with a thorough review of your estate planning needs during a free consultation at our Milton office or at a convenient location of your choice.

Reasons to Update Your Massachusetts Estate Plan

There are many reasons why an individual might seek to update or modify their estate plan in Massachusetts. Moving to another state is one of the top reasons that might indicate a change is needed. While a will can stay intact following a move, other documents can be state-specific and warrant a change. Another reason would be that of divorce. If you or one of your heirs undergoes a divorce, you may wish to modify how your assets will be distributed.

Likewise, if you become remarried, it is important to ensure that your estate will provide for your new partner or ensure that your children will receive assets over any potential stepchildren in the event of your death. These can all be extremely tricky matters, and it is wise to modify or change a will only with the legal guidance and support of an experienced estate planning attorney.

How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Charge?

It can be difficult to offer an exact number when looking for the average cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer. This is due to the fact that there can be several factors involved in these legal matters that can influence the fees of your attorney. These factors can include the overall complexity of your estate, the tools you wish to use in your estate plan, or if any disputes arise, such as wishing to remove or replace a trustee or the individual managing your trust.

How To Contact Our Law Firm

On the surface, estate planning seems like an overwhelming and challenging process. However, with the right legal help, it doesn’t have to be. If you wish to begin the estate planning process or have concerns regarding certain estate planning elements, the team at Albanese Law, LLC can help.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with experienced estate planning lawyer Matthew Albanese. We serve communities throughout the Boston metro area, eastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Call to schedule an appointment at 866-591-4451.