Salem & Gloucester Estate Planning Lawyers

Preparing Clients for the Expected and the Unexpected

Everyone knows that death is inevitable, but few people take the time to prepare themselves and their families financially for their death or incapacity. Our law firm represents clients who want to protect their assets and their loved ones during and after the probate process.

We can help with various legal matters, including navigating probate on behalf of a loved one, estate planning, asset protection, family law matters, and more. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and goals so you can be sure your wishes are respected after you pass away. We’ll also protect your loved ones with our skill and knowledge of guardianship laws.

Contact our estate planning law firm immediately for help understanding your options and creating the unique estate plan you deserve. We’ll also stand by your side if you must go through probate on behalf of your loved one who has died. You can reach us by calling 978-882-9312 to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate attorneys.

What Are the Most Important Documents in a Massachusetts Estate Plan?

Deciding what to put in your estate plan can be stressful if you do it alone. With our attorneys by your side, you can get personalized advice regarding what documents to include that will best protect your assets and your family.

Some common tools in a Massachusetts estate plan include:

• Wills – The last will serves several critical functions. It names a personal representative who will administer your estate, indicates who will retain guardianship of your minor children, and divides the inheritance among beneficiaries
• Trusts – Trusts, including revocable, irrevocable, and living trusts, provide excellent asset control and protection. These estate planning documents allow the grantor to dictate how and when the assets will be distributed and minimize estate taxes
• Powers of attorney – Power of attorney documents legally permit someone else to act in your name. If you create a durable power of attorney, the power of attorney (which can be used for medical care, financial stewardship, and more) can exist even if you are incapacitated

How Can Your Attorneys Help with the Probate Process?

Navigating probate can be notoriously stressful and time-consuming. If your friend or family member died and named you as a personal representative, you have a heavy burden on your shoulders. The good news is that you don’t have to go through this complex legal process alone.

Our knowledgeable legal team is standing by to help you manage your duties as estate administrator. We’ll help you deal with the details of inventorying the estate, paying off creditors, filing taxes, resolving disputes, and handling any other concerns. We promise to honor your loved one’s wishes and help you fulfill your fiduciary duty during probate and estate administration.

At Porcello Law Offices, we have extensive experience with various legal matters during estate administration, including asset distribution, guardianship, and conservatorship of minors or individuals with special needs, and more. Call now for a free appointment with our caring team of lawyers.

What Can I Do to Protect My Assets?

Asset protection is among the leading concerns of individuals and families during estate planning. Not only should you think about your future finances, but protecting your assets while you’re alive is crucial. Luckily, our team of attorneys has access to various estate planning tools that offer excellent asset protection both now and in the future.

For example, many of our clients elect trusts to protect their property from creditors, predators, and tax collectors. Trusts also offer other benefits, such as greater flexibility in how assets are passed on to beneficiaries. For example, you may elect to distribute funds slowly over a period of time rather than all at once to a young beneficiary.

With the many advantages and options trusts offer, it’s essential to get personal advice from a trusted estate planning lawyer. Reach out to our dedicated legal team for help determining whether including a trust in your estate plan is right for you.

Should You Hire Our Salem & Gloucester Estate Planning Lawyers?

When you want the peace of mind that an estate plan offers, you deserve help from a group of lawyers who understand Massachusetts law and are willing to fight for your best interests. Our attorneys will assist you at every step of the process, including offering honest advice while ensuring your wishes are respected.

We are the team you want on your side, regardless of where you are in the estate planning process. For example, we will review any current documents to ensure they meet your needs and are legally valid. We’ll also help update your estate plan to reflect any family changes, such as divorce, remarriage, death, or birth of beneficiaries. You can also count on us to help with the complexities of estate administration and the probate process.

With so much at stake, please don’t face this process alone. We’ll educate you on your options and help you take advantage of every opportunity as we craft the perfect estate plan for your unique needs. Call Porcello Law Offices today at 978-882-9312 to learn more in your free initial consultation.