We regularly recommend that our clients seek the advice of qualified legal professionals in the field of elder law and/or estate planning.  The specialists know things which general law practioners may not .  You wouldn’t see a podiatrist for a heart condition, would you?  So do not leave your estate planning to a personal injury lawyer.

We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice.  However, we believe that everyone should have the following legal documents:  

• A Current Will
• A Durable Power of Attorney
• A Health Care Proxy

If something terrible happened today, could you (or your family) locate your beneficiary forms for your bank or brokerage accounts, insurance contracts, etc.? Beneficiary forms are among the most important documents you have! Especially when it comes to IRA’s, 401k’s, and other retirement accounts (because of potential tax issues).  You need to know where these forms are.  You need to know the institution holding your assets has a copy.  (Believe it or not, they are sometimes LOST!) You would also make sure they reflect your current wishes.

We will review all of your beneficiary documents free of charge.  Call (978) 499-9400.  

Beneficiary forms control distribution of assets. Many people think their WILL does that, but in many cases your will should not be used to pass financial assets upon your passing. It is also crucial that your beneficiary forms are updated to reflect any changes in your family situation, such as marriage, divorce, adoption, death, etc.

Improper or incomplete beneficiary forms could potentially DISINHERIT grandchildren, turn non-probate assets into probate-able assets, or lose beneficial tax treatment of IRA’s and other retirement accounts.