A trust is a document created with a defined purpose that is administered on behalf of one or more beneficiaries by a trustee. A trust can be in force while you are alive or it can come into force after your death if it is part of your will. For example, a living trust allows you to control your property while you are alive and gives you the freedom to revoke it at any time if your circumstances change. A trust may also be more convenient for your heirs because they can usually avoid involving the probate courts in the division of your property. Our Massachusetts trust lawyers can help you save time and money while you navigate this process.

Making a clear power of attorney guarantees that a person whom you trust (called an “agent”) will be available to handle the financial and logistical duties that will arise on the occasion that you become incapacitated. For example, your power of attorney agent will be able to handle your bills, deposits, and insurance paperwork (just to name a few). Additionally, if you own a property, business, or investment, your agent will be able to continue attending to these.

The probate process is a set of formal court procedures to determine who is entitled to inherit your property, money, and other assets after your death. The purpose of probate is to make sure that your will is valid before appointing an executor for your estate. The executor makes sure that your property is liquidated and distributed to the intended recipients.

Yes, these documents may be modified. However, there are important requirements you must follow to make sure the documents maintain their legal effect. Our Massachusetts trust lawyers can help you make changes while protecting your final wishes.