Written by Neil O. Anderson, Esq. of Tramontozzi Law Offices There are Five Primary Documents to Create when developing an Estate Plan: Power of attorney In the event you become disabled and can not make decisions for yourself, establishing a power of attorney allows another person the ability to make financial decisions for you. Health Care Proxy Similarly, if the …
Do I Really Need A Will ?
Do I Really Need a Will? (and for that matter why have an attorney make one?) Many people and families engage in careful estate planning; however there also are a good number of people who choose, either purposely or inadvertently, to make no financial or legal arrangements for their property following their deaths. Sometimes individuals do not want to …
What is a Living Trust?
When establishing a Living Trust, you are opting to serve as grantor, trustee, and beneficiary for the trust for the remainder of your lifetime. A trustee would be the person who is in charge of the trust assets. In a living trust, you would remain trustee until you are unable to perform those duties (generally incapacitation or death). A “beneficiary” …
The Probate Process in Simple Steps
What is probate? The probate process is described as the legal steps that take place after someone dies which determine how the deceased’s assets will be distributed. Probate is the formal court proceeding required to determine who is entitled to inherit a property. The purpose of this proceeding is to prove that the deceased’s will is valid and that …
The New Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, Discussion Part 1
The New Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, Discussion Part 1 By: John N. Tramontozzi, Esq. When it comes to wills and the administration of Estates Massachusetts now follows the new Uniform Probate Code adopted in March of 2012. This statute was a complete revision and rewrite of the probate laws. The MUPC makes it easier and quicker for an estate to …