Estate Planning | Fall River, MA
When you're in need of an attorney to help you through the estate planning process, trust Richard Harrison
— Attorney At Law in Fall River, Massachusetts. Backed by more than 35 years of experience in probate and elder law, he knows the ins and outs of the processes, and is ready to assist you.
Plan to Protect
Creating an elder law estate plan is the key to avoiding probate court. Additionally, estate planning helps you to protect your assets and avoid the high costs of nursing home care. The process includes:
Simple or Complex
The simplicity or complexity of an estate plan will depend upon the needs and desires of the person involved. Once developed, your estate plan should be reviewed and updated at least once a year or anytime there has been a significant change in your life, such as a marriage, divorce, death, birth, or change in your desired distribution scheme.
Understanding the Functions of a Will
One of the most important functions of a will is to name a guardian of minor children. While this nomination is not binding, the courts give great deference to a deceased parent's wishes. Further, this designation can eliminate family disputes as to who should have the primary responsibility to raise your children. Other functions include:
- Ensuring Your Property Is Distributed According to Your Wishes
- Sets up a Simple Trust for Assets Left to Minor Children
- Designates Who Will Be Responsible for Winding Up and Distributing Your Estate
Living Trusts & Wills
Even if you have a living trust, you should still have a will. The will passes any property that is owned outside of the trust.
This would include property not transferred into the trust, as well as property acquired after the creation of the trust. In addition, the will can act as a safety device in the event the trust is no longer in place at the time of death.
Contact attorney Harrison to begin the complicated estate planning process to protect your legacy.
(508) 679-6414
info@rharrisonlaw.com
info@rharrisonlaw.com