Who will manage my estate plan now that Joel Bernstein has retired? Good estate attorneys. Joel Bernstein searched and located several attorneys in MA whom he believes will do the job right. To continue most of the approach his office gave. These law firms, typically small but focused, can help you now.
Where are my original documents stored? Bernstein's law firm provided original documents to clients when signed. The firm does not send file copies to prevent misinterpretation. Your original documents are the official versions to use.
Do I need to create new estate planning documents? No. Your existing documents remain legally valid unless you want changes.
Will my estate plan still work the same way? Yes. Legal documents remain valid regardless of attorney retirement.
Will the new attorney charge to review my existing estate plan if I need a change? Some attorneys charge for reviewing existing estate plans, while others do not charge for this initial review.
How do I make changes to my trust, will, or other documents? Take your existing documents to the newer attorney or email them and ask about their procedure, as this varies by attorney.
Do I need to use Joel's referral system or can I locate my own attorney? You are free to use anyone you'd like.
FAQS - LONG VERSION
A Note on My Retirement & Available Resources
We have changed from MA Wills and Trusts to Trust Me On This: Plain English Law Courses
Dear Client -
After forty years of practice, I've decided to retire as of February 1, 2025. While I'll maintain my Bar membership, I'm no longer meeting with clients in person.
We can't take phone calls about this transition, but our website has these FAQs posted for your reference whenever questions come up.
Feel free to unsubscribe from emails using the link at the bottom of this message.
Your Top Questions Answered About Your Documents
1. Are my existing documents still valid? Yes, they are. My retirement doesn't affect your documents' legal standing. They remain in effect until you change them or they terminate according to their terms.
As a standard recommendation, have your plan reviewed every few years as laws and circumstances change.
2. What about my real estate documents? All recorded deeds and property documents remain valid. Don't worry about notary expiration dates – these simply confirm the document was properly signed at that time and have no effect on ongoing validity.
Finding Your Next Attorney
3. How do I find a new attorney when needed? You can contact me. I may be able to informally suggest one or two.
4. What should I look for in my next attorney? Focus on ongoing education credentials, efficient office systems, and their ability to explain legal concepts clearly. The better attorneys view themselves as educators rather than merely document-drafters.
Accessing Your Information
5. How do I access my legal documents? Use the originals provided when we completed your plan. For real estate documents, your county's Registry of Deeds website provides public access to download copies.
6. Why can't I get new copies of my estate documents? Using original documents eliminates confusion between drafts and finals, prevents potential fraud, and protects your confidential information. Those originals are what you should share with any new attorney.
7. Why is verification required before discussing past relationships? Before acknowledging whether someone was my client or discussing any documents, I'm required to verify the requester's identity and authority. This process involves:
Verification against our records
Review of any legal authorizations
Assessment of capacity issues when applicable
This process takes time but is necessary to meet legal ethics requirements and maintain appropriate confidentiality standards.
Moving Forward
8. Should I take any actions regarding my trust now? Nothing urgent needs attention due to my retirement, but it's a convenient time to review your documents, check asset titling, confirm your trustees are still appropriate, and update beneficiary designations if needed.
9. Have laws changed that might affect my plan? Massachusetts laws have changed considerably since 1993. The estate tax exemption is now $2 million, trust laws have been modernized, and provisions for digital assets have been added. Older documents would benefit from review.
10. Will I still hear from you? Periodically. I'll send occasional emails about resources, educational offerings, and significant legal developments.
Thank you for your business over the years. I hope these transition resources prove useful.
