It Is Never Too Early to Plan for the Inevitable
The old adage states: "Nothing in life is assured, except death and taxes." The former is inevitable, and — depending on your financial circumstances and the skills of your accountant — there is only so much you can do about the latter.
Unfortunately, many people spend more time on their taxes than they do planning for their demise.
I am James M. Cote, an estate planning attorney in Peabody, Massachusetts. I have more than 20 years of experience in assisting Northern Massachusetts and North Shore clients with legal issues pertaining to an estate.
Through my law firm, Cote Law Offices, I can help you create an estate plan that will benefit your family and loved ones after your death, and give you control over your assets and health care while you are alive. For more information or a free initial consultation, call me at 978-767-2933 or 866-923-2574 toll free.
Peabody Estate Planning Attorney | Beverly Probate Attorney
I can help you make your financial future more stable and predictable using the following legal tools:
- Wills. A will enables you to decide where and to whom your assets and property will be distributed after you die. A clearly expressed will can prevent your loved ones from enduring an expensive and time-consuming litigation over your estate.
- Trusts. You can establish a trust during your lifetime for the benefit of any person or organization you choose. If you want to ensure that money will be available to educate your child, or that your spouse will receive nursing care in the event of an incapacitating accident, a trust is a very good idea. You may also establish a special needs trust to benefit a mentally or physically disabled loved one.
- Probate administration. You can select a willing representative who will assist you in probating your will by preparing an inventory of your estate, filing tax returns, paying debts and distributing assets.
- Powers of attorney. You can appoint an administrator or trustee to manage your assets, sign legally binding documents and make financial decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so.
- Health care proxies. You can create a health care proxy or living will that requires health care professionals to give or withhold certain types of medical care if you are incapacitated or dying. You may also choose a health care proxy to make medical decisions for you.
- Medicaid planning and asset protection. Many people are not eligible for Medicaid assistance unless they spend or give away most of their assets. I can help you plan for Medicaid to obtain the best possible results.
- Guardianships/conservatorships. You may choose a willing guardian for your minor child or for an incapacitated or disabled adult under your care. This guardian becomes responsible for that person's assets and care. You may also establish a conservator who manages only the assets of the person.
- Prenuptial agreements. If you have assets or business interests to protect, or children from a previous marriage that you need to provide for, a prenuptial agreement can be a prudent step before getting married again.
Attorney James M. Cote | Guiding You Through Life's Uncertainties
It doesn't matter if you own a lot or a little. There is no better time to plan ahead than now.
Through advance planning backed by clear legal documentation, you can save your loved ones' confusion and doubt regarding your health care and end-of-life medical decisions. You may also reduce the chance of rifts developing among your heirs due to estate conflicts.
Best of all, I can also spare your estate an expensive and time-consuming probate process — leaving less for the attorneys and more for the people you love.
For a free consultation with a seasoned Northern Massachusetts estate planning lawyer, call me at 978-767-2933 or 866-923-2574 toll free, or contact me online.
