Without Estate Planning Massachusetts Deceased May Leave Their Families In Need

By Karen Turner


For most people it is difficult to contemplate death, especially their own. Unfortunately, however, everybody will die and the responsible thing to do is to plan for that event. Almost everyone leaves behind possessions, assets and money and it is important to make sure that these belongings will be distributed to those that the deceased intended to have them. With proper estate planning Massachusetts and Dedham MA citizens can make sure that their affairs will be in order when they finally die.

It is astonishing to learn just how many people pass away without leaving a valid and updated last will and testament. Many people feel that they own too little and others simply fail to update their wills as their circumstances change. This is a serious neglect because those left behind may suffer financially and the probate period will be much longer.

It is important to develop a plan for the disposal of assets at an early age. This plan should be adapted and reviewed as circumstances change. Financial and legal experts agree that this plan should be developed and managed by an experienced and qualified professional. This will prevent legal challenges and confusion when the time for the execution of the plan arrives.

Most people never realize that they also need to plan for circumstances where they are not dead, but unable to make decisions. They may become severely disabled, contract dread diseases that render them unable to make rational decisions or, in extreme cases, be declared to be legally incompetent. If such circumstances are foreseen and planned for, the wishes of the principal will still be honoured.

No responsible person will want their loved ones to suffer after their deaths. A proper plan will therefore make provision for the care of loved ones, the payment of debts and the management of assets until probate is completed. Many individuals set up trust funds intended to bridge the gap between death and the end of probate and they appoint reliable trustees to look after the needs of the loved ones left behind.

Some people use their last wills and testaments to settle old scores or to punish relatives. This should never be the purpose of a will and such documents are often contested in court. Of course, if a loved one is known to be irresponsible with money or that he can reasonably be expected to waste the inheritance, measures can be put in place to prevent abuse.

Experts agree that the last wishes and the content of a will should not be kept secret. It should be discussed with loved ones so that everyone knows in advance what to expect when the principal dies or becomes incompetent. In this way there will be no misunderstandings, false hopes or conflict when a loved one dies and his will is made known.

The vast majority of people spend years to build up their estates and to make sure that loved ones will be secure. Without a sound plan, however, even the best intentions may not result in the desired consequences. It is best to obtain professional help from an early age and to make sure that the legacy left behind will achieve the desired results.




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