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ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES
Document Organization
In addition to drafting your customized estate planning documents, during our work together we will create a binder of your documents, statements, accounts and instructions so that everything you and your loved ones need to access is readily available.
Last Will & Testament
Your Will directs orderly transfer of your assets .
Guardianship of Minor Children
You have the option to include guardianship provisions in your will, in a separate guardianship document or both. I generally recommend both as wills are not probated immediately and a separate document will give the Court clear direction. A separate Parental Appointment of Guardian is your nomination of a temporary guardian.
Durable Power of Attorney
The Durable Power of Attorney is a very powerful document that gives the Attorney-in-Fact authority to handle all financial matters for you, the Principal. The attorney can act as you in all financial matters including opening and closing bank accounts, writing checks, and buying and selling property. The powers are customizable and designed to allow the attorney to handle your financial affairs in the event of your incapacity. It is effective immediately and lasts through incapacity or disability but terminates upon death.
Health Care Proxy
The Health Care Proxy gives your Health Care Agent authority to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are ever unable to make or communicate those decisions for yourself.
Advance Directive/ Living Will
This document is a customizable statement of your desire that the process of dying not be artificially prolonged if you are terminally ill. Although such a document is not legally binding in Massachusetts, it provides your Health Care Agent with some guidance as to what your feelings are about these sensitive matters.
HIPPA Release
This document authorizes the disclosure of your protected health information to your Health Care Agent, effective immediately.
Release of Electronically Stored Information
This document authorizes the access to and release of your “digital assets,” such as computer data, e-mails, financial and social media accounts, music, and photographs, effective immediately.
Declaration of Homestead
This document, recorded at your County's Registry of Deeds, protects your home (within certain limits) for up to $500,000 from the claims of creditors.
Property Deed as an Estate Planning Tool
Part of your comprehensive estate plan may include adding a joint tenant or creating a life estate in your residence.
Trusts
A trust based estate plan can offer benefits that a will cannot. We can work together to determine if a revocable or irrevocable trust may help you achieve your goals..