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What are the Key Elements of a Good Estate Plan?

A good estate plan will take care of (i) who gets your assets when you pass; (ii) who you entrust to make medical and legal decisions for you if you are incapacitated; (iii) simplifying the process for your family after you are gone; and (iv) if applicable, protecting assets from estate taxes and/or the costs of assisted living for you and your spouse.

These are the key documents that can accomplish these goals:
  • A last will and testament, which names your personal representative (often known as an executor) and specifies who should receive what.
  • A health care proxy, which designates a person you trust to make medical decisions for you if your doctor says you are unable to do so yourself.
  • A durable power of attorney, which designates a person you trust to make financial and legal decisions if you are unable to do so yourself.
  • One or more trusts, which allow assets to pass without going to probate court, and in appropriate circumstances can protect assets from estate taxes or the costs of assisted living.​

Learn more here about the essential estate planning documents at different stages of life.

Need Help With Estate Planning?

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  • Home
  • About
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • Fees and Payment
    • Privacy Policy
    • Publications and Interviews
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Andrew Silvia
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Employment Law Solutions
    • Employment Law MA
    • Discrimination in the Workplace
    • Employment Termination
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws
    • Independent Contractor Law
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
    • Equal Pay Act
  • Estate Planning
    • Massachusetts Wills and Trusts
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Massachusetts Estate Tax
    • Inheritance Tax
    • How to Make an Estate Plan
  • Business Law Solutions
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs