Worcester Estate Planning Lawyer
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Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to make sure your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are honored. Many people avoid estate planning because they worry it’s complicated or uncomfortable. At The Law Office of Polly Tatum in Worcester, Massachusetts, we help clients take clear steps to put their plans in writing so they can feel peace of mind about what happens next. We serve clients throughout all Massachusetts cities and towns, both virtually and in person, ensuring accessibility and convenience no matter where you are.
Estate Planning Lawyer in Worcester, MA
Estate planning is about more than just a will — it’s about making thoughtful choices today that protect your family tomorrow. Whether you’re setting up a trust, preparing healthcare documents, or deciding who will handle your affairs, an experienced estate planning lawyer can guide you through every step. Our Worcester team helps you understand your options, draft documents properly, and handle details that can otherwise lead to confusion later on.
We can help you with:
- Creating or updating wills and trusts
- Naming guardians for minor children
- Setting up powers of attorney and healthcare directives
- Planning for asset distribution and probate
- Addressing unique family or business situations
- Reviewing and updating existing estate plans
Don’t put off planning for what matters. Contact The Law Office of Polly Tatum today to schedule a consultation and start your estate plan with care and clarity.
More Ways We Help Families Plan for the Future
Estate Planning and Related Services in Worcester
In addition to basic wills and trusts, our firm handles other estate planning services that help you protect what you’ve built and honor your wishes:
- Trust Planning: We help you decide if a trust makes sense for your goals, explain how it works, and prepare all documents properly.
- Probate Guidance: If you’ve lost a loved one, we guide you through Massachusetts probate court so you don’t have to face paperwork and deadlines alone.
- Elder Law: Our team assists with planning for long-term care and addressing questions about nursing home costs and Medicaid planning.
- Divorce Mediation: We help couples reach fair agreements outside of court, reducing stress and finding balanced solutions for parenting plans, property division, and financial matters.
- Estate Planning: We revisit your full estate plan to keep it up to date when life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or welcoming new family members, require adjustments.
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Proudly Serving
The Law Office of Polly Tatum serves Worcester, the surrounding communities, and cities and towns throughout Massachusetts — both virtually and in person.
The Law Office of Polly Tatum
Worcester Estate Planning Lawyer
19 Cedar St,
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone: (508) 290-5525
https://lawofficeofpollytatum.com/
Hours: 24/7
Nearby Places
Restaurants:
Armsby Abbey
Deadhorse Hill
110 Grill Worcester
Hotels:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Worcester
AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester
Courtyard by Marriott Worcester
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a vibrant city in central Massachusetts known for its thriving arts community, diverse dining scene, and historic charm. Residents enjoy a mix of urban energy and green spaces, with beautiful parks and cultural attractions throughout the city. Worcester is home to well-regarded colleges and a strong sense of community spirit. The Law Office of Polly Tatum is proud to be part of this community by providing estate planning services that help families feel confident about the future.
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The Law Office Of Polly Tatum
Worcester Estate Planning Lawyer
19 Cedar St,
Worcester, MA 01609
Professional Associations
Questions or Schedule An Appointment?
Call Us: (508) 795-1557
Questions or Schedule An Appointment?
Call Us: (508) 795-1557
Our Services
How may we help you?
Elder Law
As people age, they may face different legal challenges than when they were younger.
Medicaid Planning
As your golden years approach, it may be time to consider many of the aspects of your future.
Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Probate
When you lose a loved one, the last thing you want to deal with is the legalities of their estate.
Real Clients, Real Reviews
Read More ReviewsContact Us
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request a Consultation
Contact Us And We’ll Tell You Everything You Need To Know!
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Questions or Schedule An Appointment?
Call Us: (508) 795-1557
Questions or Schedule An Appointment?
Call Us: (508) 795-1557
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can An Estate Planning Lawyer Do For Me?
Estate planning lawyers can help you with a wide variety of legal matters, including wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration.
What Does An Elder Law Attorney Do?
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.
Do I Need More Than Just A Will?
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.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Attorney?
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.
How Is Medicaid Different From Medicare?
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.
What If We Don’t Qualify For Medicaid?
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.
Why Is An Estate Plan Important?
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.
Why Should I Hire The Law Office Of Polly Tatum?
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.
How does Massachusetts estate planning address guardianship for minor children?
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.
Are there estate taxes in Massachusetts, and how can they affect my estate plan?
Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $2 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.
What are health care directives and why are they necessary?
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.
Why is a power of attorney important in estate planning?
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.
How does the probate process work in Massachusetts?
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.
How does a trust work in Massachusetts estate planning?
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.
Why is it important to have a will?
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.
How do Massachusetts-specific regulations affect Medicaid Planning?
Massachusetts has unique regulations, such as specific allowances for spousal income and resource protection, which can significantly influence Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies. Understanding these state-specific rules is crucial for effective planning.
What are common challenges in Medicaid Planning?
Common challenges include meeting income and asset limits, understanding the intricate rules, and avoiding penalties due to improper asset transfers during the “look-back” period. A Medicaid Planning attorney can help you navigate these challenges effectively.
What is the Medicaid application process like?
The Medicaid application process involves submitting detailed financial and medical information to demonstrate eligibility. Because this complex process requires careful documentation, consult a Medicaid Planning attorney to guide you through the legalities and seek to meet the criteria.
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