How we work

I consider myself (Joel Bernstein) to be a writer who works like this: first discuss with others their lives, families, assets, and goals then write wills or trusts to better the situation. In this process, we discuss alot to things - it's the nature of good estate planning.
 
You won’t find a stuffy atmosphere or an imperious attitude here. Instead, we aim for a truly personal one-to-one common sense approach. And mostly achieve that goal.
 
Communication is central to this approach. I want to give you the time you and I need to craft the best estate plan for your particular circumstances. We’ll start with this:
 
An initial “Plain English” session 
 
Your initial meeting will be with me personally—not a junior attorney—in a quiet, focused, and confidential conference room. 

No phone or computer in conference room

We intentionally do not put a phone or computer in the conference room, so we can really focus without interruption.

Similarly, we ask that no cell phones be put on the conference room table. Studies have shown a 20%  attention loss when a cell phone is in sight.
 
This initial meeting has two purposes:
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1. To briefly educate you about estate-planning law, including what would take place if you pass away with your current (or no) estate plan in place, and
2. To see if we want to work together, that is, we both feel it is useful. And that I am comfortable with the assignment.

I'll listen and explain my thinking, using my knowledge and 27 years of experience. That is what you are paying for.

In sum, I'll assess your personal and financial situation and outline your estate planning choices.
 
Charge for session

Because it's detailed (and not a meaningless 'meet and greet' or telephone 'consultation'), we charge $150 for the session. You can apply it to estate-planning work we begin for you within two weeks of the meeting. 

Another reason for our charge is to reduce the number of people whom I meet with - so I can afford to give attention to those whom are more serious about their estate planning. I've never heard any person say that the session was anything but wonderful.
 
Ongoing Communication - Our approach
 
We continue to think of you even after the documents are complete.

For 26 years, we’ve updated our clients twice a year by a detailed memo. It reflects on law or the most common changes we see in personal circumstances - informing them about how either type of change may affect their estate planning.

Clients appreciate this approach and we are proud of this effort. When was the last time your estate planning attorney communicated with you?
 
Post-Death Administration
 
When a person passes and there's a will involved, it goes through the probate court process. If a trust is involved, we call it post death administration.

Actually, we call it all post death administration - it may involve real estate, retirement accounts, life insurance, pensions, and other property.

Call our office at 781/863-8606 to schedule your initial estate-planning session

MA Wills and Trusts: 
​The only law we practice, in plain English
​781/863-8606 
email: joel@JBernsteinlaw.com