Hingham, MA Estate Administration Attorney

Settling Estates for Families throughout Plymouth County

Upon someone’s passing, the family members they leave behind are tasked with administering their estate. This can be a major undertaking even if the deceased’s estate was modest. The process is best navigated with the support and guidance of a trusted attorney.

At Sawin Law, P.C., our estate administration lawyer in Hingham offers comprehensive counsel to family members who are wrapping up the loose ends of their loved one’s estate. Whether your family member had a will or not, we can help you navigate the process, ensure that their wishes are carried out, and resolve the case as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our Plymouth County Estate Services

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the experience can be compounded by the estate administration and probate processes. At Sawin Law, P.C., we strive to do the heavy lifting for our clients to ease their burden and facilitate a successful resolution.

Our estate services include:

• Estate Planning: We can help you draft a comprehensive estate plan that will provide for your loved ones and give detailed instructions upon your passing.
• Asset Transfers and Protections: If you are considering ways to minimize taxes, protect your family’s security, and leave a legacy (or a memorial) for future generations of your descendants—at the same time—think about how to transfer assets with care. Make your legal affairs a priority by obtaining the advice of a Massachusetts estate planning lawyer. There are several ways to make sure that your estate is distributed as you wish after your death. One of the options is to include it in your will; however, a will only takes effect after you pass away. On the other hand, a trust allows one to continue influencing the distribution of their assets even when they’re still alive.
• Declaration of Homestead: This both states and protects the right to a principal residence, preventing it from being sold due to judgments, claiming of creditors, or other reasons.
• Health Care Proxy: When it becomes clear that the individual will not make decisions about their health care, you should appoint a proxy. Health Care Proxy is especially important so they can decide whether or not to continue life-preserving medical procedures. Proxies also give the power of the appointing agent to access all relevant aspects of their health records.
• Last Will and Testament: Your will is the keystone of your estate plan. We can help you draft or update a will as needed. We can also help you assess, interpret, and implement your loved one’s will upon their passing.
• Last Will and Testament With A Testamentary Trust: A will with a testamentary trust provides greater control of the assets and protects one’s heirs from creditor claims. This estate plan is typically used by wealthy families or businesses and requires an experienced attorney to coordinate all necessary documents.
• Living Wills: A living will is a document that informs people – namely family members and doctors – about your desired end-of-life medical care.
• Powers of Attorney: We can help you draft and implement a power of attorney, which allows you to name someone to make health, financial or business decisions on your behalf.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Is a legal document that gives an appointed person legal power to act in the place of another. Ideally, one would only give this kind of power to someone they trust completely. You can only grant a power of attorney to someone over 18 years old who does not have mental incapacitation or another type of disability.
• Lasting Power of Attorney For Property: Allows the person that you appoint to handle your finances. In addition, they will also be able to assume control of any real estate property you own.
• Probate: If you cannot settle the deceased’s estate through voluntary administration, the estate will enter probate. Probate is the process through which the decedent’s assets are distributed and their debts are paid off. At Sawin Law, P.C., our Hingham estate administration attorneys have experience navigating probate for estates with and without a will.
• Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts: A trust can either be revocable or irrevocable, depending on what best suits the individual. A trust can maximize the inheritance for children and future generations and minimize estate tax burdens. A trust is a useful tool that allows you to pass assets onto beneficiaries while minimizing hassles and fees. Trusts are particularly useful if you are setting aside money for a minor child to use later in life, or if you are establishing a legacy of charitable giving.

How an Estate Administration Attorney Can Help You

Amid the grief of losing a loved one, families are tasked with settling their estate. At Sawin Law, P.C., our estate administration attorney in Hingham is here to help. We provide compassionate and client-focused representation because we believe that you deserve legal counsel that prioritizes you and your family.

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