Power Of Attorney
Have You Drafted A Will Yet?
Everyone should have a will to determine how property will be distributed after death and to nominate a guardian for children. We have more than 35 years of collective experience guiding families through the estate planning process. We know the necessary steps and will guide you through them.
Estate planning should be a comprehensive process that considers everything you own and everyone who is important to you. Contact the law firm for assistance with your will drafting needs.
Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy
Wills are a very important part of your estate plan, but other documents can go hand in hand with how effective decisions are made in the future. In addition to a will, the following are other important estate planning documents in Massachusetts:
- A power of attorney to nominate someone to make financial decisions if you are incapacitated.
- A health care proxy to nominate an agent to make health care decisions for you when you cannot make them, including decisions about end-of-life care and the withholding of medical treatment. You can make your health care proxy as specific as you want to represent your philosophy about end-of-life medical care. This document is known as an advance health care directive or a living will in other states.
Knowledgeable Guidance through Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code
A will is an important part of the orderly administration of your affairs. If you die without a will, Massachusetts has intestacy laws that will dictate how your property is distributed. This may not be what you want. For example, if you have minor children, without estate planning, your children would have control of their inheritance as soon as they reach age 18. If you create a will, you can direct that the money be held in trust for the benefit of your children until they are older. You can also nominate a guardian to care for your children instead of relying on the court to decide who takes care of your children.
We can also assist with your will if you need it revised due to a family law change such as divorce.
With more than 35 years of experience, we can guide you through the process of drafting a comprehensive estate plan, including a will, health care proxy (living will) and power of attorney. To set up an appointment, contact the Watertown law firm of Linda Sternberg, Esquire, online.