What is a Living Trust?

In Assets, Estate Planning, Probate by John Tramontozzi

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” …

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Tramontozzi Law Welcomes Neil O. Anderson

In Estate Planning, Misc Topics, Office Business, Personal Injury, Probate, Real Estate, Uncategorized by John Tramontozzi

Neil O. Anderson with his son also named Neil, who recently graduated from pre-school at the Rockland Montessori School. We are pleased to welcome Neil O. Anderson Esquire to our legal team. “Neil is a wonderful addition to our office. His background in community development and human services will be a true asset to my office, our community, and the …

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Why You Should Review Your Estate Plan Regularly

In Estate Planning, Uncategorized by Tramontozzi Law

There are many reasons why you should revise your estate plan periodically. Most recently, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the act), which was signed into law on Dec. 22, 2017, made substantial changes to the Internal Revenue Code. The name may sound simple, however the changes are the most comprehensive in years. There are many complex changes …

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The Best Ways to Avoid Probate

In Estate Planning, Probate, Uncategorized by Tramontozzi Law

In our recent blog post we outline what probate is and what the process entails in a simple step-by-step guide. Probate refers to the settlement and distribution of one’s assets in compliance with the terms of the will. The state court manages this, and all assets that you own individually and intend to pass on to heirs is subject to probate. …

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The Probate Process in Simple Steps

In Assets, Estate Planning, Probate, Uncategorized by Tramontozzi Law

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 …

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Estate Planning Checklist

In Estate Planning, Misc Topics, Uncategorized by Tramontozzi Law

WHAT IS ESTATE PLANNING? Estate planning is a process where individuals specify how their money and other property will be managed after their deaths.   Many estate plans include wills, trusts, health care proxies, living wills and powers of attorney. Estate planning may sound like a fancy word, however when you think about it in the big picture it just …

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

In Estate Planning by John Tramontozzi

Many people believe that you only need an estate plan if you’re wealthy or nearing retirement. But the reality is you should have an estate plan so that your personal wishes are carried out when you can no longer manage your affairs. This can happen at any stage in life. At a minimum, an estate plan should address your wishes …

The New Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, Discussion Part 1

In Assets, Estate Planning, Probate by John Tramontozzi

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 …

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in MA

In Estate Planning by Tramontozzi Law

Most people generally know that it’s a good idea to have a will. However, most people d not actually prepare one. Understanding what happens if you die without a will in MA is important and may change what you decide to do. Benefits of a Will In general, wills allow you to dictate who shall receive your assets and in what …