Well after much debate, votes and seminars to train both court personnel and attorneys how the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (”MUPC”) would work, it is here and in practice.  Now is the time to make a will if you have been dragging your feet.  Like taxes our demise is something we cannot avoid.  Our attorneys will assist you with understanding what is probate, how to make a will, an guide you through the process of deciding whether you need a living trust.  Now that the MUPC is here do not wait any longer to put those documents in place that will ensure that your wishes are carried out when you are no longer here.

Too often I hear people say “We just don’t want the state to take our home” and as a result they run out and have their life-long home put into a Life Estate and/or Irrevocable Trust without fully understanding all the “pros” and “cons” that come with putting property into a Life Estate and/or Irrevocable Trust.  This includes the tax consequences in the event the property is sold during the Grantor’s lifetime versus if the property is sold after the Grantor’s death.  If you find yourself or your parents in the situation where they are concerned that the state or the nursing home may take their home, feel free to call Attorney Scott J. Clifford at 781-829-9100 so you can find about the “pros” and “cons” before you take action that may cost you and/or your parents more in the long run.

Effective March 31, 2012, the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (”MUPC”) goes into effect. This will dramatically change how estates are administered in Massachusetts. One of the most important changes is your ability to streamline the probate process thereby making it a much quicker, easier and cheaper process for your family. However, in order to take advantage of these tools that will make is quicker, easier and cheaper for your family you need to have a Will. In addition to streamlining the process the MUPC also changes the rules of how an estate is distributed in the event you do not have a Will which is yet another reason that it is more important than ever to have a Will if you want to make sure your Estate is distributed in accordance with your wishes. Call Attorney Scott J. Clifford at 781-829-9100 to schedule a consult to discuss your estate planning needs.