Massachusetts Trusts and Estates Attorney Helping You Plan

Preserving your family’s wealth for future generations

Whether you’re planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, Halloran, Lukoff, Smith & Tierney, P.C.  can help with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:

Securing your legacy

You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort.  We thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones.

Draft your living will and last will and testament

A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your living will sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.

Your last will provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to somebody besides a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, friend or charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your beloved pet — decisions that might not reflect your desires.

We can draft valid wills that ensure your intentions are honored.

Changing your will

As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your will throughout your life. We draft valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Appointment of guardianship

If you have minor children, your will allows you to make decisions about their future care. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets’ care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your pets.

Trusts

Halloran, Lukoff, Smith & Tierney, P.C. helps people create trusts to ensure that their assets are properly managed and held for the future use of their family members or designated beneficiaries. The assets held by a trust can be used to pay for necessary medical, educational and health-related expenses for the trust’s beneficiaries. Because a trust is designed to exist for a certain period of time, the courts require that a trustee is chosen to administer and be responsible for the management of the trust. Trusts may be included in your will or as a separate legal entity. Sometimes trusts are used to avoid the probate process or to minimize estate and income taxes.

Contact an estate planning law firm you can trust, Halloran, Lukoff, Smith & Tierney, P.C.

For estate planning services in New Bedford and throughout Massachusetts, call Halloran, Lukoff, Smith & Tierney, P.C. at 508.999.1332 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.