Estate Will Lawyer in Shrewsbury

Estate planning lawyers can help you with a wide variety of legal matters, including wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration.

An elder law attorney can help with any legal issues that come up with regard to yourself as you age or an older loved one. These issues can include things like planning how to pay for long-term care, making sure that long-term care is appropriate and that no abuse or neglect is occurring, and helping with things like trusts that can ensure our elderly loved ones are provided for.

While a will can take care of some very basic aspects of your estate, like distribution of some assets and guardianship of minor children, it cannot do things like designate a trusted person to make medical or financial decisions for you if you are unable, make your wishes known as to your medical care at the end of life, or provide managed financial benefits for special needs family members, for example. A will is essential, but it is rarely enough to take care of things should you become incapacitated or die.

The cost of hiring an attorney depends on the type of case you have and the amount of work that is required. In most cases, we offer a consultation so that you can get an estimate of the cost of our services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Medicare is a government-funded insurance program that covers some or all of the costs of certain medical procedures for qualified participants (generally, the elderly or disabled). Medicare does not cover the costs of long-term care. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a government entitlement program that can cover the costs of long-term care for those who meet certain income and asset qualifications.

Medicaid eligibility planning is best started long before anyone in your family needs long-term care, but even if that planning has not been done in advance, there are some ways to make eligibility more likely while still protecting the assets of a spouse who does not need long-term care, for example. Contact our office, even if you think you won’t qualify for Medicaid. We may have options to suggest.

An estate plan is important because it allows you to control what happens to your property and assets after your death. Without an estate plan, the court will decide how your property is distributed, which may not be in accordance with your wishes. An estate plan can also help you avoid probate, which is a costly and time-consuming process.

The Law Office of Polly Tatum is an experienced team who is ready to help you. Our firm has a wide range of experience in estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, and divorce and elder mediation. An experienced law firm with a good track record can help you get the legal help you deserve.

A will is a legal document that allows you to specify how your assets will be distributed after your death. In Massachusetts, if you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. A will honors your wishes helps minimize disputes among heirs.

Trusts are legal arrangements where a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Massachusetts law allows for various types of trusts, including revocable and irrevocable trusts. Trusts can help manage and protect assets, avoid probate, and potentially reduce estate taxes.

Probate, governed by the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (Chapter 190B) is the legal process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing the deceased’s estate. The process can be simplified for smaller estates, but generally involves filing the will with the local probate court, notifying heirs and creditors, and distributing the estate according to the will or state law.

A power of attorney (POA) is a document that allows you to appoint someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Massachusetts law provides for durable power of attorney, which remains effective even if you become mentally incapacitated, ensuring that the person you designate will manage your affairs according to your wishes.

Health care directives, including living wills and healthcare proxies, are legal documents that communicate your medical care preferences if you become unable to make decisions yourself. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 201D, a health care proxy allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, aligning your medical treatment with your wishes.

Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $1 million. The tax rate varies depending on the size of the estate. Proper estate planning, including the use of trusts and charitable donations, can help minimize estate taxes and preserve more of your wealth for your heirs.

Parents can name a guardian for their minor children in their will. This designation becomes effective upon the parents’ death, subject to court approval. Massachusetts law outlines the process for appointing a guardian, a crucial task for ensuring that someone you trust will care for your children if you pass away.