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Master the basics. No cost, no confusion.
Straightforward lessons with plenty of examples—no technical jargon to slow you down.
Straightforward lessons with plenty of examples—no technical jargon to slow you down.
What You'll Learn in Three Estate Planning Courses
Living Trust Fundamentals
Learn how to create and manage living trusts to avoid probate and protect your family's assets. You'll discover when to use revocable vs. irrevocable trusts, how to transfer property into trusts, and your duties as a trustee.
For example, you'll learn how a revocable trust can help a family avoid the 6-12 month probate process when transferring a family home, and how to properly retitle bank accounts and investments.
Estate Tax Strategies
Master tax-saving techniques for larger estates. Understand Massachusetts' $2 million estate tax threshold (much lower than the federal $13.99 million limit) and strategies to minimize taxes.
Examples include using annual $19,000 gift tax exclusions to reduce estate size, setting up charitable trusts to benefit both family and favorite causes, and timing strategies for married couples to maximize tax savings.
Family Protection Planning
Create safety nets for children and vulnerable family members under Massachusetts law. Learn to establish guardianships, special needs trusts that preserve government benefits, and protective trusts for beneficiaries with addiction issues.
For instance, you'll discover how a special needs trust lets a disabled child inherit money while keeping MassHealth benefits, or how to structure trusts that release funds to children gradually over time rather than all at once when they reach adulthood.
Living Trust Fundamentals
Learn how to create and manage living trusts to avoid probate and protect your family's assets. You'll discover when to use revocable vs. irrevocable trusts, how to transfer property into trusts, and your duties as a trustee.
For example, you'll learn how a revocable trust can help a family avoid the 6-12 month probate process when transferring a family home, and how to properly retitle bank accounts and investments.
Estate Tax Strategies
Master tax-saving techniques for larger estates. Understand Massachusetts' $2 million estate tax threshold (much lower than the federal $13.99 million limit) and strategies to minimize taxes.
Examples include using annual $19,000 gift tax exclusions to reduce estate size, setting up charitable trusts to benefit both family and favorite causes, and timing strategies for married couples to maximize tax savings.
Family Protection Planning
Create safety nets for children and vulnerable family members under Massachusetts law. Learn to establish guardianships, special needs trusts that preserve government benefits, and protective trusts for beneficiaries with addiction issues.
For instance, you'll discover how a special needs trust lets a disabled child inherit money while keeping MassHealth benefits, or how to structure trusts that release funds to children gradually over time rather than all at once when they reach adulthood.
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Life throws legal curveballs. Having knowledge is invaluable. Here's why a Massachusetts law course makes sense.
A legal course is like an umbrella - unnecessary until the storm hits, then priceless. |
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Meet Your Instructor
After 40 years practicing law in Massachusetts, I wanted a hobby without billable hours! I'm Joel Bernstein, a retired (from daily practice but still Bar member) attorney who wrote for the American Bar Association and earned mention in Professor Rounds' trust treatise (published since 1898).
Beyond these courses, I connect you with excellent Massachusetts attorneys for estate planning—at no cost to you. Visit Trust Me On This for referrals.
After 40 years practicing law in Massachusetts, I wanted a hobby without billable hours! I'm Joel Bernstein, a retired (from daily practice but still Bar member) attorney who wrote for the American Bar Association and earned mention in Professor Rounds' trust treatise (published since 1898).
Beyond these courses, I connect you with excellent Massachusetts attorneys for estate planning—at no cost to you. Visit Trust Me On This for referrals.
Take Your Learning One Step Further!
Ready to put your new knowledge into action?
Thanks for joining our free course! We're excited you've taken this important step toward understanding the above topic.
To help you make the most of what you've learned, we've partnered with qualified attorneys who specialize in exactly what you're interested in.
Why Connect with an Attorney?
Let's face it - sometimes you need a professional to help navigate the specifics of your situation. Our attorney partners can help you:
Easy Connection, Zero Pressure
This is simply a friendly introduction to a professional.
No obligations, no pushy sales tactics - just a helpful connection to continue your journey.
Ready to put your new knowledge into action?
Thanks for joining our free course! We're excited you've taken this important step toward understanding the above topic.
To help you make the most of what you've learned, we've partnered with qualified attorneys who specialize in exactly what you're interested in.
Why Connect with an Attorney?
Let's face it - sometimes you need a professional to help navigate the specifics of your situation. Our attorney partners can help you:
- Apply what you've learned to your unique circumstances
- Answer your lingering questions
- Create a personalized plan tailored just for you
- Save you time, money, and stress in the long run
Easy Connection, Zero Pressure
This is simply a friendly introduction to a professional.
No obligations, no pushy sales tactics - just a helpful connection to continue your journey.
Already working with an attorney? No problem! Feel free to skip this step and keep enjoying your course materials.
Cheers to your continued success!
The Joel Bernstein Team
Cheers to your continued success!
The Joel Bernstein Team
Disclaimer
- The information provided in these courses is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Joel Bernstein ("I" or "me") has prepared these materials to present general information about estate planning or other legal topics in Massachusetts.
- Before acting on any information in these courses, you should formally engage a lawyer of your choosing. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
- Merely enrolling in these email courses does not establish an attorney-client relationship, nor do I undertake any obligation beyond providing the course content. I cannot accept new clients without first determining potential conflicts with existing or former clients.
- Do not send confidential information to me via email unless a formal attorney-client relationship has been established in writing. Internet email may not be secure, and sensitive information should not be sent unless properly encrypted.
- The courses may contain links to other websites for convenience only. I cannot endorse, recommend, or review the accuracy of information on those websites.