Protecting the Family Home from Estate Recovery
If your loved one received Medicaid to help pay for long-term care, the state may attempt to recoup those costs after their death by placing a claim against the family home. However, with proper planning, including the use of irrevocable trusts, you may be able to preserve the home and protect it from estate recovery.
How can a Spendthrift Clause in my Trust Protect my Beneficiaries?
Looking to protect your children or other beneficiaries from creditors, lawsuits, or divorce after you’re gone? A spendthrift clause in your trust may be the key. This powerful estate planning tool can help safeguard inherited assets by limiting a beneficiary’s ability to assign or lose their inheritance to outside claims. Learn how spendthrift provisions work, when they’re most effective, and how Massachusetts courts (like in Pfannenstiehl v. Pfannenstiehl) have treated them in divorce cases. If you want to ensure your estate plan truly protects your loved ones, this is essential reading.
How can a Revocable Trust Protect my Beneficiaries?
Leaving assets outright to your beneficiaries may seem simple, but it can expose them to risks like lawsuits, divorce, or poor financial decisions. Learn how a revocable trust—with built-in sub-trusts—can protect your loved ones by shielding inheritances from creditors and enabling more flexible, secure distributions. Discover how trust planning safeguards your legacy when life gets complicated.
Avoiding Probate with a Trust—Privacy, Speed, and Cost Savings
Avoiding probate with a trust can save your loved ones time, money, and stress. In this article, we explain how creating a revocable living trust allows your estate to bypass the costly and time-consuming probate process. Discover how a trust can help you maintain privacy, settle your affairs efficiently, and provide peace of mind for your family—all while minimizing court involvement and legal fees. Learn why more people are choosing trusts as a smarter estate planning strategy.
What’s the difference between a Will and a Trust?
When it comes to estate planning, understanding the difference between a will and a revocable trust is essential. While both tools outline how your assets should be handled after death, they function in very different ways—with real implications for privacy, probate, and your loved ones' experience.
In this post, we break down the key distinctions between wills and trusts, highlight the pros and cons of each, and help you start thinking about which approach aligns best with your goals. Whether you’re looking to avoid probate, plan for incapacity, or simply ensure a smooth transition for your family, this series will guide you through the options.
ILITs and You
If your estate exceeds Massachusetts' $2 million threshold—or includes illiquid assets like real estate or a family business—your loved ones could face significant estate tax burdens. This article explores how an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can reduce estate taxes and provide essential liquidity, helping preserve your legacy for future generations. Learn the benefits, key considerations, and why ILITs are a powerful addition to sophisticated estate plans.