Blog
Plain-language estate planning.
Real questions Ralph hears from Massachusetts families, answered the way they come up at the kitchen table.
Hyperlocal (Beverly Farms)1 min readWest Beach Stickers: Common Question
Here's a common question I get from Beverly Farms Residents: Can I put my West Beach Sticker into a Trust or pass it on using a will? No. No you cannot. Your Will and your Trust are capable generally ...
- Wills3 min read
Understanding the Last Will and Testament
Sitting on the beach in Beverly, whenever someone asks what I do, and they hear I am an Attorney focusing on Estate Planning, I hear the same general answer. "Oh, I need a Will". Everyone deems their ...
- Real Estate3 min read
Use and Occupancy Clauses: Controlling Homes After Death
Family situations are different and fluid. For many, protecting and transferring the use and ownership of Real Estate is a major concern. When families have multiple children, homes tend to be a point...
- Firearms & Probate4 min read
What to Do if You Find a Parent's Gun After They Have Passed, and How to Avoid This Mess
Your parents have just passed away, and you must now, as so many had before, clean out and organize their house of all of their tangible personal property. One of your children, here to help, but caus...
- Foundations2 min read
First Post: Time for the Basics
Estate planning ensures proper asset management and distribution after death, allowing you to protect loved ones and minimize complications. The process involves creating documents outlining how asset...
- Tax Planning3 min read
Portability in Estate Planning: Maximizing Your Estate Tax Exemption
Portability can effectively double your estate tax exemption if you're married. Here's how it works and what you need to file to preserve it.
- Digital Assets1 min read
Passwords Passwords Passwords
One often overlooked aspect of Estate Planning involves managing your "Digital Assets," spanning from emails to various online accounts. Despite its seeming triviality, the devil lies in the details. ...