By Eric P. Rothenberg, Esq. – We all work hard throughout our lives with the expectation we will be able to leave an estate to our children and heirs. Too often however, we fail to take the necessary steps to preserve our wealth and our heirs are left to deal with Massachusetts probate. Fortunately, the Massachusetts law regarding probate has been simplified over the last few years, but there are still some steps you can take to ensure your assets are divided up per your wishes and avoid probate. Your retirement accounts Fortunately, most financial institutions require retirement account owners to specify a beneficiary when they open their accounts. However, you may find it to be more flexible to have your estate be named and not necessarily your spouse or children because inherited retirement accounts are taxed to the recipients as income even though they go through your estate and

By Eric P. Rothenberg, Esq. – When a loved one becomes disabled or otherwise unable to make rationale and sound decisions or communicate needs regarding their own health, safety or self-care, you should seriously consider having an adult guardianship appointed. The advocate is usually appointed in a written legal agreement drawn up by the attorneys of both parties, but if this legal document does not exist, the court of Massachusetts can step in to appoint a guardian for a disabled individual. In either case, guardianship must be approved by the court as legally binding. How to Determine if Legal Guardianship is Necessary Since every case is unique, it is up to loved ones to ultimately make the final decision whether an individual’s medical or physical impairment has rendered them unable to make cognitive decisions on their health, safety, and everyday needs. Examples of impairments can include, but are not limited