As more wealth is held online, many investors now own cryptocurrency, exchange-based digital assets, non-custodial wallets, and NFTs alongside traditional accounts. These holdings can create estate-planning issues that do not exist with conventional assets, because legal authority alone may not be enough if no one can identify the asset, satisfy a platform’s procedures, or access the wallet […]
Estate Planning Articles
What Happens to a Trust After Death? It Depends on the Trust’s Terms
When someone dies with a trust, beneficiaries are often left wondering what happens next. Will assets be distributed outright? Will they remain in trust? Are there tax consequences to consider? The answer depends on the trust itself. Trusts can be structured in many different ways, and the terms of the trust determine how assets are […]
Should You Leave Your Children an Inheritance Outright or in Trust?
Parents often want to help their children, while also protecting an inheritance from being lost to an ex-spouse, lawsuit, bankruptcy, creditor problem, or a period of poor judgment. For many families, the better question is not simply “At what age should my child inherit?” but “Should my child ever receive the inheritance outright at all?” […]
Avoiding Probate Pitfalls for Massachusetts Professional Corporation Shares with a Revocable Living Trust
The Unique Challenge of Massachusetts Professional Corporation Shares In Massachusetts, professional corporation (PC) shares, such as those in a medical, legal, or dental practice, are subject to special rules. Most notably, only licensed professionals (like physicians) are permitted to own these shares. When a sole shareholder dies, shares passing to non-licensed beneficiaries (such as a […]
2025 Tax Reform: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for You
On July 4, 2025, a landmark piece of legislation titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was signed into law, ushering in a sweeping transformation of the U.S. tax code. This historic act not only solidifies many of the popular but temporary provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), but also introduces […]
Estate Planning for Physicians and Dentists: Protecting Your Professional Corporation (PCs) in Massachusetts
Owners of professional corporations (PCs), such as physicians, dentists, and other licensed professionals, face specific estate planning challenges in Massachusetts. The law restricts ownership of PC shares to licensed individuals, so a thoughtful plan is essential to ensure that your heirs receive the value of your business, even if they cannot legally own the shares […]
What Happens if You Die Without a Will in MA
Failing to create a will can have significant consequences for your loved ones and legacy. In Massachusetts, dying without a valid will—known as dying “intestate”—means state laws determine how your assets are distributed and who will care for your minor children. This comprehensive guide explores Massachusetts intestate succession laws, potential problems that arise from dying […]
