Category Archives: Estate Planning Attorney
Should I Plan For My Funeral As Part Of My Estate Plan?
Planning ahead for the future often means making some difficult decisions—especially about what happens after you pass away. For that reason, including funeral and burial arrangements in your estate plan can ease the burden on your loved ones during an emotionally challenging time. Indeed, thoughtful funeral planning is a final act of care that… Read More »
Three Lesser Known (But Still Common) Estate Planning Mistakes To Avoid
Every adult should have a comprehensive estate plan. Your estate plan should be customized to meet your specific needs. A cookie-cutter estate plan is simply not good enough for you and your family. Even people who know a lot about estate planning still often make errors. Here, our Boston estate planning attorney highlights three… Read More »
What Are The Benefits Of Setting Up A Revocable Living Trust In Massachusetts?
A revocable living trust is one of the most popular estate planning tools. Although they are not right for every situation, many people and families can benefit from a living trust. At Fisher Law LLC, we provide solutions-focused, personalized estate planning representation. Here, our Boston estate planning attorney highlights the advantages of setting up… Read More »
What To Know About Pour-Over Wills In Massachusetts
Do you have a revocable living trust? If so, you should generally also have a pour-over will. A pour-over will is a key estate planning tool that works alongside a revocable living trust to ensure a seamless transfer of assets. At Fisher Law LLC, we help clients put comprehensive estate plans in place. Here,… Read More »
Do You Need Witnesses For A Will In Massachusetts?
To write a valid will in Massachusetts, there are specific requirements that you must satisfy. Under Commonwealth law (Mass. General Laws c.190B § 2-502), a will should be “signed by at least 2 individuals, each of whom witnessed either the signing of the will.” Here, our Boston estate planning attorney explains what you should… Read More »
Estate Planning: What Is Ademption?
What happens if you left property in a will that the testator—the person who wrote the will—no longer actually owns? In Massachusetts, this issue is referred to as ademption. It happens more frequently that many people realize. Here, our Norwood estate planning attorney explains the key points to know about ademption in Massachusetts. Ademption:… Read More »
How The 5 x 5 Rule Helps To Preserve The Value Of A Trust
Trusts can be extremely effective estate planning tools. It is not uncommon for people to put restrictions on trusts that are designed to protect the value. The 5 x 5 rule is a provision in trust law that allows a beneficiary to withdraw the greater of $5,000 or 5 percent of the trust’s assets… Read More »
Does The Massachusetts Estate Tax Count Out-Of-State Real Estate?
Massachusetts has its own estate tax. It covers many estates in the Commonwealth that do not have any federal estate tax liability. In 2023, lawmakers increased the Massachusetts estate tax exemption from $1 million to $2 million. As part of that reform, the law changed. Out of state real estate—which was previously exempt from… Read More »
Bill To Repeal Federal Estate Tax Introduced, But Still Faces Hurdles
According to a report from Financial Regulation News, a bill has been introduced in the United States Senate to repeal the federal estate tax. The legislation was introduced by South Dakota Senator John Thune and it has 45 co-sponsors. Here, our Norwood estate planning attorney provides an overview of the existing federal estate tax,… Read More »
What Does It Mean To Fund A Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where assets are managed for beneficiaries. They can be highly effective estate planning tools. Massachusetts has a wide body of law governing the use of trusts (MGL c. 203). Notably, all types of trusts generally need to be “funded” in order to become effective. This raises an important… Read More »