Choosing Your Healthcare Proxy: Selecting the Right Person to Make Decisions
A healthcare proxy is a document that allows an individual to designate someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf in the event they are unable to do so for themselves. Together with other instruments like a living will (a/k/a advance directive) the healthcare proxy helps individuals preserve their medical autonomy...
What Do I Do When a Loved One Unexpectedly Passes Away?
The sudden passing of a loved one brings immense grief as surviving family members struggle to cope with the loss. Besides the heavy emotional toll that you must face, there are the financial and legal realities to which you must now adapt. The estate planning attorneys of LaFountain & Wollman P.C....
Updating Your Living Will: Reflecting Changing Circumstances
A living will, also known as an advance directive, informs health care providers about an individual’s wishes concerning end-of-life care. The living will is a powerful tool that helps ensure dignity and comfort in the event an individual is no longer able to communicate his or her medical preferences. However, there...
How to Be Appointed as Personal Representative of an Estate
The executor of an estate, known in Massachusetts as a personal representative, helps manage the estate of the deceased individual (the decedent). Becoming the personal representative is a significant but rewarding duty that allows an individual, often a surviving family member, to help carry out the decedent’s final wishes. It all begins...
Living Wills vs. Durable Powers of Attorney: Understanding the Differences
Most estate planning begins with a last will and testament, but this is only one of several instruments you will need. Two other essential documents are the living will and durable power of attorney. Both of these documents broadly concern situations in which a person is incapacitated. However, it’s important to understand...
Pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
The internet has revolutionized the legal industry and has given consumers the ability to handle a number of matters on their own. This is no less true with respect to estate planning. And while it may be tempting to plan your own estate, there are several potentially serious risks involved which make...
Trusts Aren’t Just for the Wealthy: A Primer on a Power Tool to Protect Your Loved Ones
Trusts have long been an integral part of developing a comprehensive estate plan because they offer a number of advantages that are not available with a last will and testament. However, most people incorrectly assume that trusts are only for wealthy individuals and families. The reality is that these instruments can...
Estate Planning for Newlyweds
Newly married couples who are just beginning their lives together have a great deal to think about. They may be looking to buy a house together, start a family, or even open a business. Whatever life holds for you and your spouse, it’s important that you don’t neglect creating an estate plan....
Estate Planning for Blended Families in Middlesex County
Every family needs sound estate planning to prepare for their future and preserve a legacy for the next generation. But for families with children from more than one relationship - known commonly as blended families - the need is even more acute. It is imperative that you retain skilled legal counsel...
What are the Benefits of Preparing a Will?
Most individuals don’t give much thought to estate planning until they reach retirement or become ill. However, life can change in the blink of an eye. Without a valid will in place, you will have no say in how your estate assets will be distributed. This can lead to strife among your...