Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can A Minor Be A Beneficiary Under A Massachusetts Will?
Naming a grandchild, niece, or nephew in your will feels like a natural, generous choice. But have you thought through what actually happens if that child is still under 18 when you pass away? A minor can absolutely be named as a beneficiary in Massachusetts, but the way that inheritance actually reaches them looks… Read More »
Holographic Wills In Massachusetts: Are Handwritten Wills Valid?
Maybe you have seen it in a movie. Someone scribbles their final wishes on a piece of notebook paper, signs it, and that becomes their will. It makes for a dramatic scene, but does it actually hold up in Massachusetts? The answer depends entirely on one detail most people overlook: witnesses. What a Holographic… Read More »
How Does Trust Administration Work In Massachusetts?
A trust is a common estate planning tool that can offer a number of different advantages. A trustee is appointed to manage the trust on behalf of beneficiaries. Trust administration can be complicated. There are specific rules and regulations for it in Massachusetts. Within this article, our Norwood trust administration lawyer highlights key things… Read More »
Joint Tenancy Vs. Tenancy In Common In Massachusetts: What Is The Difference?
If you own property with another person, whether a spouse, sibling, business partner, or friend, the way that ownership is titled matters more than most people realize. Two of the most common forms of co-ownership in Massachusetts are joint tenancy and tenancy in common, and the difference between them can shape what happens to… Read More »
What Is A Testamentary Trust And When Should Massachusetts Residents Use One?
Most people have heard of a will. Many have heard of a trust. But a testamentary trust occupies a specific and useful space between the two that does not always get the attention it deserves. If you are working on an estate plan in Massachusetts and trying to figure out which tools make sense… Read More »
Know The Alternatives To An Adult Guardianship In Massachusetts
An adult guardianship puts a trusted person in charge of managing the affairs of a vulnerable person. However, Massachusetts law only allows for adult guardianship when it is truly necessary. The Commonwealth strongly favors less restrictive alternatives. Here, our Boston adult guardianship attorney provides an overview of the alternative options in Massachusetts. An Overview… Read More »
Estate Planning For Young Families In The Greater Boston Area: Where To Start
If you recently had a child, bought a home, or found yourself thinking more seriously about the future, you may have wondered whether it is time to put an estate plan in place. For young families in the Greater Boston area, the answer is almost always yes, and the sooner the better. Estate planning… Read More »
Does Massachusetts Have A Digital Asset Inheritance Law? What You Should Know
Think about everything you do online. You may have a social media presence, cloud-stored photos going back years, online bank accounts, cryptocurrency, subscription services, and email inboxes full of personal and financial correspondence. Have you ever stopped to wonder what happens to all of it when you pass away? The answer may surprise you,… Read More »
What Is The MassHealth Look-Back Period And How Does It Affect Your Planning?
Have you ever wondered why so many people start long-term care planning years before they think they will need it? The answer often comes down to one rule: the MassHealth look-back period. If you are exploring how to protect your home and savings while still qualifying for nursing home benefits, understanding this rule is… Read More »
Does Non-Probate Property Count For The Massachusetts Estate Tax?
Massachusetts has an estate tax that applies to estates that are valued at $2 million or higher. Notably, non-probate property still counts towards the estate tax. Within this article, our Boston estate planning attorney explains the key things to know about non-probate property and the Massachusetts estate tax. Massachusetts Estate Tax Applies to More… Read More »