Estate Planning Services

​We focus on assisting people with trust and estate issues. About 30 years ago I (Joel Bernstein) chose it to be my professional focus. And have loved it ever since.

We do what other estate attorneys do. We seek to provide a smoother and more orderly transfer of assets. And to avoid a confusing and lengthy probate process and minimizing tax costs. 

And to also help if you become too ill to speak up for yourself.   

Estate can be stressful. But we make it much less so.

It has one eye on the post death picture. That includes personal, financial, and tax considerations. Our firm is knowledgeable about the post-death process.

Estate planning without post death knowledge is not enough. One without the other is not adequate, in our opinion.

Daily we draft complete estate plans. These center around a will or trust. It also includes reviewing your current estate plan. Or helping a family with the post death process.

And we are always available by phone to answer any questions you have during the process. Or in future years.

We provide Estate Planning Services in the following areas:

• Estate Planning including Wills, Trusts, Health Care Proxies and Power of Attorney. 
• Review of Current Estate Plans considering your current needs
• Post Death Administration Services 

Massachusetts Trusts

​Trusts come in many different forms. For personal trusts, the major types of the revocable and irrevocable trusts.

These have different goals, although they look alike.

Often a trust will replace a 'MA Last Will and Testament' as the central document in your estate planning. (By the way, we don't use all those words to describe a will. We like plain English. 'A will' suffices).

Not all people will need a trust. Before you create one, you should have a goal or two in mind.

Trusts can have both tax and non-tax goals to achieve.

For more information, see our Trust Services.​

Massachusetts Wills

​Wills can be right for some. Some indications are lower asset values or very simple personal situations.  

Or, a will can be fine when all assets are in accounts that have beneficiaries listed for them.  Like IRA or life insurance. For more information, read setting up a Will.​ ​

Update a current will or trust

​ ​Over your lifetime, you may have several different estate plans. Your estate plan can and should change as your circumstances change.

Twenty or more years may pass between estate plan reviews.​

We keep in touch with clients by twice annual communication with them. We remind clients of the common life events that happen. Or those that may need changes in their estate planning.

Post Death Administration Services

After death, it can be a confusing time for all. 

We aim to make it much less overwhelming. MA Wills and Trusts offers post death services for both existing and new clients in their time of need.  We offer several Post Death Administration services. 
​

We provide Estate Planning Services in the following areas:

• Estate Planning including Wills, Trusts, Health Care Proxies and Power of Attorney. 
• Review of Current Estate Plans considering your current needs
• Post Death Administration Services 

Massachusetts Trusts

​You can use MA revocable living trusts or MA irrevocable trusts to achieve different goals.

Each can benefit both you and future beneficiaries. Many times a trust will replace a MA Last Will and Testament as the central document in your estate planning.

Trusts can also be relevant if you'd like to give money or assets to a person who cannot handle its use or investment. 

Or, the owner of property wants to lower their estate taxes by setting up a trust.  For more information on setting up Trust Services.​

Massachusetts Wills

​Wills can be appropriate for persons who have limited assets (less than a few hundred thousand dollars). 

A Will can also be fine when all assets are in accounts that have beneficiaries listed for them.  For more information, read setting up a Will.​
​

Update An Existing Will or Trust

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​Over your lifetime, you may have several different estate plans as your circumstances change over time.

For many, 20 years may pass between estate plan reviews but as situations call for it, estate plan reviews and modifications should be expected.​

Post Death Administration Services

After death, it can be a confusing time for all.  We aim to make it much less overwhelming. MA Wills and Trusts offers post death services for both existing and new clients in their time of need.  We offer several Post Death Administration services.