Wills
Make your wishes clear
A will ensures your assets are distributed the way you intend and gives your family clear direction when it matters most.
Summary: A will names who gets what, who raises your kids if they are minors, and who is in charge of wrapping everything up. It is the floor of an estate plan, not the ceiling.
What a will actually does
A will outlines how your assets should be distributed and who is responsible for carrying out your wishes.
It can also:
- Name guardians for minor children
- Appoint a personal representative
- Provide clear instructions for your family
How a will affects probate
A will does not avoid probate, but it makes the process much more straightforward.
In Massachusetts, many estates can go through an informal probate process when everything is clearly documented and there are no disputes.
Without a will, the process is often more complicated and less predictable.
Your family should not be left guessing
Without a clear plan, even simple situations can turn into delays, confusion, and added stress for your family.
A will provides direction so your family knows what to do and how things should be handled.
Another option
Want to avoid this process altogether?
A trust allows assets to pass without going through probate.
The whole plan
Wills works well with
Most estate plans pair these together so your wishes are covered no matter what comes up.
How we work
You will work directly with your attorney.
You will work directly with Ralph to create a plan that reflects your situation. He will walk you through each decision and make sure everything is clear and complete.
FAQ
Questions we hear about wills.
- No. A will directs how your assets are distributed, but everything you own individually at death still goes through the Massachusetts probate court. What avoids probate is a properly funded trust, or assets titled jointly or with named beneficiaries.
- Your assets are distributed according to Massachusetts intestate succession laws, which may not reflect your wishes. If you have minor children, the probate court decides who raises them. A will is the simplest way to stay in control of both.
- Every three to five years is a reasonable baseline, plus anytime your life changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child, a home sale, a significant change in assets, or a move in or out of Massachusetts are all good triggers for a review.
Does a will avoid probate?
What happens if I die without a will in Massachusetts?
How often should I update my will?
Start with a clear plan
A short conversation can help you understand what you need and what you do not.