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A Trusted Firm For More Than 70 Years

Estate Planning

As estate planners at Nigro, Pettepit & Lucas, LLP, we know that every client’s goals and life circumstances are unique. It is therefore our mission to provide each and every client with a plan that is hand-tailored to his or her needs. Taking a holistic approach to estate planning, we try to fully understand our client’s family and financial situation, including problems affecting beneficiaries such as drug addiction, creditors, potential divorces, sensitive family relationships and/or poor money management. We take the time to work closely with our clients to educate them regarding the options available to them. Drafting is only one part of the estate planning process, and our guidance does not end upon the signing of the documents. We help our clients understand how their assets may need to be reconfigured to effectuate the new plan and work closely with institutions to help clients do so.

Avoiding taxes, protecting assets and providing guidance as to their wishes are commonly what people think about in wills and trust planning. Our estate planning team is dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance, sound advice and thoughtful strategies in creating an estate plan that is best suited to your unique family and financial structure.

A comprehensive estate plan may involve a mixture of tools, including:

  • Wills: A properly drawn Will is a legal document that expresses a person’s dispositive wishes. It takes effect upon death, and if there are assets passing through the Will, it must be probated in the Probate Court in the county where the decedent lived.
  • Trusts: A Trust is an entity that provides great estate planning flexibility to provide for a myriad of different circumstances depending upon a client’s goals and needs. Examples include MassHealth Irrevocable Trusts, Insurance Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, QTIP Trusts, Credit Shelter Trusts, Grantor Trusts, Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts, and others. We review each client’s circumstances individually and explain the pros and cons of each relevant legal instrument to allow you to make informed decisions. We also help administrators, heirs and other parties with trust litigation
  • Health Care Proxies: Health care proxies enable you to choose a person who will be able to make medical decisions on your behalf and in accordance with your wishes in the event that you are unable to do so. In the event of incapacity, a properly executed health care proxy may eliminate the need to petition a Court for a guardianship in an emergency medical situation.
  • Durable Powers of Attorney: These instruments allow you to choose a person who can conduct your business and financial affairs. A power of attorney can be vital in avoiding the expense of a conservatorship proceeding in probate court.
  • Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: These agreements allow parties to set forth provisions for the division of property and spousal support, either before or after marriage, in the event the marriage ends in divorce or death. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, when properly drafted and implemented, are enforceable contracts in Massachusetts.
  • Business Succession Planning: When a client owns a business, it is important to engage in planning that ensures the smooth continuity of the management of the business in the event of the death or retirement of the client.
  • Long-term Care Planning: The goals of this type of estate planning include the preservation of assets for the next generation or the protection of a spouse remaining at home when the other spouse requires long-term care.

Speak With Us To Learn More

The hallmark of our firm is exceptional personal service. We will provide you with guidance uniquely tailored to your specific circumstances.

Contact Information

Wakefield Office
649 Main Street
Wakefield, MA 01880

Phone: 781-245-4545
Fax: 781-245-1999
Wakefield Law Office Map

Newburyport Office

One Inn Street
Newburyport, MA 01950

Phone: 978-462-9008
Fax: 978-462-9098
Newburyport Law Office Map