Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What is the difference between an heir and a beneficiary in Massachusetts?
Two Terms That Are Not Interchangeable An heir is someone entitled to inherit under Massachusetts law when property passes without...
Elder Law & Long-Term Care Planning Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
How do I get a copy of my DD214 or military discharge papers in Massachusetts?
You Can Get a Replacement Copy You can request a copy of your DD214 through the federal government even if...
Elder Law & Long-Term Care Planning Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
How do I apply for VA Aid and Attendance benefits in Massachusetts?
Extra Monthly Income for Care VA Aid and Attendance can provide additional monthly pension benefits to eligible veterans and surviving...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What happens if a beneficiary dies before me in Massachusetts?
The Gift Does Not Always Disappear If a beneficiary dies before you, the gift does not always disappear, and it...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Should I use a codicil or write a new will in Massachusetts?
Codicil or New Will You can change a Massachusetts will through a properly executed codicil, but a new will may...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Can I decline to serve as trustee or personal representative in Massachusetts?
Yes, You Can Say No Yes. Being named as trustee or personal representative in Massachusetts does not mean you must...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Who gets the furniture and jewelry when someone dies in Massachusetts?
Belongings Pass by the Plan, Not by Who Gets There First Furniture, jewelry, photographs, and other belongings pass according to...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What happens if an heir cannot be found during probate in Massachusetts?
A Missing Heir Still Has an Inheritance An heir does not lose an inheritance simply because the family cannot find...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What Tax Returns Have to Be Filed After Someone Dies in Massachusetts?
Several Returns, Not One After a death, there may be several different tax returns to consider, and they do not...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Who Pays the Bills Before a Personal Representative Is Appointed in Massachusetts?
The Gap Between the Death and the Appointment The bills do not stop arriving because someone has died, but the...