As an Andover estate planning lawyer, I often meet with families who believe they’re fully protected because they have a will. While having a will is certainly better than no plan at all, relying solely on this document might leave unexpected gaps in your estate plan that could impact your loved ones. Let’s explore three … Beyond the Basic Will: 3 Hidden Drawbacks of Will-Only Planning – Insights from an Andover Estate Planning Lawyer Read More ..read more

When a loved one passes away with a reverse mortgage, it can add an extra layer of complexity to the estate administration process. As an Essex County estate administration lawyer, I often guide families through this challenging situation, helping them understand their options and obligations. A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 or older to … Navigating Reverse Mortgages in Estate Administration: Guidance from an Essex County Estate Administration Lawyer Read More ..read more

As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies reach unprecedented heights, more investors are entering the digital asset space. While the potential for returns is exciting, these investments present unique estate planning challenges that traditional assets don’t share. As a North Shore will and trust lawyer, I’ve seen how proper planning can mean the difference between preserving or … Cryptocurrency and Your Legacy: A North Shore Will and Trust Lawyer’s Guide to Protecting Your Digital Assets Read More ..read more

Let’s be honest – estate planning probably isn’t at the top of your New Year’s resolution list. As an Andover will lawyer, I’ve heard every reason for postponing this important task: “I’m too young,” “I don’t have enough assets,” or the classic “I’ll get to it later.” But here’s the truth: later isn’t guaranteed, and … New Year, New Peace of Mind: An Andover Will Lawyer’s Guide for the Chronic Procrastinator Read More ..read more

As a trust lawyer in Andover, one of the most important conversations I have with parents of children with special needs is about succession planning for their child’s trust. While parents typically serve as initial trustees, choosing the right backup trustee is crucial for your child’s long-term security and care. Why Your Choice of Successor … Trust Lawyer in Andover Explains: Who Will Manage Your Child’s Special Needs Trust When You Can’t? Read More ..read more

As an estate administration lawyer in Essex County, I occasionally receive calls from families who need to “reopen” a probate case that was previously closed. While it may sound unusual, reopening probate happens more often than you might think, and understanding the process can help you navigate these situations effectively. What Does “Reopening Probate” Mean? … Essex County Estate Administration Lawyer Explains: Why Estates Sometimes Need to Be Reopened Read More ..read more

As we begin 2025, it’s the perfect time to review your estate plan. As a North Shore will and trust lawyer, I’ve created this checklist to help you ensure your estate plan continues to protect what matters most. Life Changes That Need Your Attention Has 2024 brought any major life changes? Consider if you’ve experienced: … Your 2025 Estate Planning Checklist: A North Shore Will and Trust Lawyer’s Guide to Starting the Year Right Read More ..read more

As a trust lawyer in Andover, I often encounter clients who need to make significant changes to their trust but aren’t sure whether to amend it or start from scratch. This is where a trust restatement comes in – a powerful but often overlooked solution that offers the best of both worlds. What Is a … An Andover Trust Lawyer’s Guide to Trust Restatements: A Fresh Start Without Starting Over Read More ..read more

If you’re reading this, you’re likely facing one of life’s most challenging tasks: writing an obituary for someone you love. As an Essex County will and trust lawyer who has helped countless families through the grief process, I want to share some guidance to make this difficult task a little easier. Getting Started: The Essential … How to Write an Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide for Grieving Families in Essex County Read More ..read more

The holiday season typically brings thoughts of giving, but sometimes complex family dynamics lead to difficult decisions about inheritance. As an Andover will lawyer, I often counsel clients who are considering disinheriting a family member. While this is never an easy choice, it’s important to understand how to do it legally and effectively. Understanding Disinheritance … Naughty List Dilemma: An Andover Will Lawyer’s Guide to Disinheriting an Heir Read More ..read more