Estate Planning Legal Services

Estate Planning Attorney in Framingham, MA

At Bentley Law Group LLC, we work side-by-side with our clients helping them select the optimal way to own and handle their assets while alive, and we transfer their property to the individuals and entities of their choosing upon death.

After a free consultation where we discuss your current asset holdings, (i.e., real estate, stock and bond investments, retirement accounts, bank accounts, insurance policies and other assets, debts, and taxes) and your goals for inheritance distribution, we will prepare your estate plan.

A common misconception is that only those with a significant net worth warrant estate planning. That is not true. Everyone benefits from an estate plan, regardless of net worth. Your estate plan outlines what your wishes are ahead of time, makes accommodations for taxes that may become due upon your death, and takes the guesswork out of the hands of your loved ones in how you want things handled in the event of disability and at the time of your death.

Bentley Law Group LLC provides individually tailored estate plans for a fixed fee, not an hourly rate. To begin the process, review an existing plan, or determine the next step, please contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Important Estate Planning Documents

Bentley Law Group LLC is here to help you manage your assets while living, as well as guide the transfer of them upon your death. Some important documents to consider when planning your estate include:

Revocable Trusts

A revocable trust is a trust whereby provisions can be altered or canceled dependent on the grantor's trust. The trust helps you avoid probate, minimize taxes, plan in the event of a disability, and keep your affairs private and confidential.

Will or Pour-Over Will

A will is a legal document that describes your wishes for transferring your assets upon your death. While a will does not void significant probate costs, it does ensure a judge will oversee the distribution of your assets. A pour-over will directs all your assets into a trust and can help give you peace of mind because any assets not originally put in the trust will transfer into the trust upon your death.

Durable Power of Attorney for Property Management

This power allows your designated individual to take care of the daily responsibility of managing your financial affairs either while you are capable or in the event of a disability (as you define it).

Advance Health Care Directive (“AHCD”)

An AHCD combines four health care documents into one document: 1) your nomination of a health care agent, 2) your nomination of a conservator, 3) your wishes with regard to the continuation of medical treatment in the event you are in a persistent vegetative state with no likelihood of recovery, and 4) your wishes regarding organ donation.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Authorization (“HIPAA”)

This authorization permits your designated agent(s) to obtain protected medical information about you to handle your medical affairs.

Larger estates may want to consider additional planning, such as charitable trusts or irrevocable life insurance trusts. Call us today to learn more.