A Legal Beacon Since 1969
Estate Planning, Trusts & Estates
Estate planning is about more than preparing documents—it's about protecting the people you love, preserving your assets, and ensuring your wishes are honored. At La Tanzi, Spaulding & Landreth, we help individuals, families, business owners, retirees, and seasonal residents create personalized estate plans that provide clarity, security, and peace of mind.
Every family has unique goals and circumstances. Our attorneys take the time to understand your priorities, explain your options in plain language, and develop a strategy tailored to your needs. We believe the estate planning process should be thoughtful, collaborative, and easy to understand, empowering you to make informed decisions about your future.
An effective estate plan can help protect you during your lifetime while ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. It can also reduce estate taxes, minimize probate costs, protect vulnerable beneficiaries, and provide clear guidance for your loved ones during difficult times.
Our Estate Planning Services
Our attorneys provide comprehensive estate planning services, including:
- Wills
- Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
- Powers of Attorney
- Health Care Proxies
- Living Wills and Advance Directives
- Asset Protection Trusts
- Life Insurance Trusts
- Estate and Gift Tax Planning
- Business Succession Planning
- Charitable Giving and Legacy Planning
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Family Wealth Transfer Strategies
- Estate Plan Reviews and Updates
- Review of Out-of-State Estate Planning Documents
- Florida Domicile Planning for Massachusetts Residents
Estate Planning for Cape Cod Families
Many of our clients have unique planning needs related to life on Cape Cod. Whether you own a family cottage that has been passed down through generations, maintain homes in multiple states, are approaching retirement, or have recently relocated to Massachusetts, your estate plan should reflect your individual circumstances.
Our attorneys regularly assist year-round and seasonal residents with multistate estate planning, family property succession, tax planning, trust administration, and strategies designed to preserve family assets for future generations. We also help clients review and update existing estate plans to ensure they remain consistent with current Massachusetts law and changing family circumstances.
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
An estate plan should evolve as your life changes. We recommend reviewing your plan after major life events such as:
- Marriage or divorce
- The birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- Purchasing or selling real estate
- Retirement
- Starting or selling a business
- Receiving an inheritance
- Changes in tax laws
- Relocating to or from Massachusetts
Even if your documents were prepared years ago, a periodic review can help ensure they continue to reflect your wishes and comply with current law.
Why Work with La Tanzi, Spaulding & Landreth?
Estate planning is one of the most meaningful investments you can make for yourself and your family. Our attorneys combine decades of legal experience with a personalized approach, helping clients make confident decisions while simplifying what can often feel like a complicated process.
We are committed to building lasting relationships with our clients and providing trusted guidance as their families, finances, and goals evolve over time.
Whether you're creating your first estate plan, updating existing documents or protecting a multigenerational family legacy, La Tanzi, Spaulding & Landreth is here to help you plan for the future with confidence.
Professionals
Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration FAQs
What is estate planning in Massachusetts?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your assets and personal affairs to ensure your wishes are carried out during your lifetime and after your death. A comprehensive Massachusetts estate plan can help protect your family, minimize taxes, avoid probate where appropriate, and provide for incapacity planning.
What documents are typically included in a Massachusetts estate plan?
Most estate plans include a Will and Revocable Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and HIPAA Authorization.
Do I need an estate plan if I am not wealthy?
Yes. Estate planning is important for anyone who owns property, has children, or wants to ensure their wishes are carried out under Massachusetts law.
What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?
A Will directs the distribution of individually owed assets after death and requires probate administration to be effective. A Trust is an agreement that is created during lifetime that addresses management of assets during lifetime and after death, and are used to avoid probate administration, reduce taxes, and provide ongoing asset management.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years or after a significant life event.
What is probate administration in Massachusetts?
Probate administration is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's estate through the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.
What is trust administration?
Trust administration involves managing trust assets, complying with fiduciary duties, and distributing trust property according to the trust terms.
How long does probate take?
The process often takes one year or longer depending on complexity.
Do all assets pass through probate in Massachusetts?
No. Trust assets, jointly held assets, and beneficiary-designated accounts, including retirement accounts, often avoid probate.
What are the duties of a personal representative?
Duties include collecting assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing property.
What happens if I die without a Will in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets, which may not reflect your wishes.
Can estate planning reduce Massachusetts estate taxes?
Yes. Proper planning may reduce or defer Massachusetts estate taxes and preserve wealth for future generations.
Who should serve as my personal representative or trustee?
Someone trustworthy, organized, financially responsible, and capable of carrying out your wishes.
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney allows a trusted person to handle legal and financial matters on your behalf.
What is a health care proxy?
A health care proxy designates someone to make medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
What are the duties of a trustee?
Trustees must prudently manage trust assets in accordance with the terms of the trust document and must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
What if beneficiaries disagree?
An attorney can assist in resolving disputes and ensuring compliance with fiduciary obligations.
Are tax returns required?
Many estates and trusts are required to file federal and state income and estate tax returns.
Can a fiduciary be personally liable?
Yes. Fiduciaries may face personal liability if they breach their legal duties.
Why hire a Massachusetts probate attorney?
Experienced counsel can reduce risk, ensure compliance, and streamline administration.