Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out. It is not just about distributing assets—it is about providing security, minimizing stress for loved ones, and making key decisions in advance. Whether you want to create a will, set up a trust, or plan for long-term care, having a solid estate plan can make all the difference.
For over 90 years, Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., has been helping families across Massachusetts handle the estate-planning process with confidence. With three generations of experience, our firm understands the legal complexities involved and is committed to making the process straightforward and effective. In this article, we will explore what an estate planning attorney does, why their guidance is valuable, and how we can help you create a plan that fits your needs.
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
An estate planning attorney helps individuals and families make legal arrangements to protect their assets, reduce taxes, and ensure their wishes are carried out after they pass away. These legal professionals do much more than draft wills—they guide families through complex legal decisions that impact their future and the next generation.
Assessment
Estate planning starts with understanding your situation. That means looking at not just your assets but also your debts, family structure, business interests, and long-term care needs. A well-thought-out plan considers every angle, ensuring you are protected today and in the future.
Guidance
Laws surrounding wills, trusts, and estate taxes can be complicated. A good estate planning attorney breaks everything down into plain language so you can make informed decisions. This ensures you fully understand your options and can choose the best course of action for your circumstances.
Document Preparation
Every estate plan includes legal documents designed to protect your interests. Wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney need to be drafted correctly to be legally binding. A properly drafted estate plan avoids the risks of using generic templates that might not comply with Massachusetts law.
Asset Protection and Tax Planning
Without proper planning, estate and inheritance taxes can significantly reduce the amount you leave behind. An estate planning attorney helps minimize these costs while protecting your assets from creditors or legal claims. Whether it is setting up trusts or structuring asset transfers efficiently, these legal tools can make a major difference.
Family and Business Planning
For families with minor children, choosing guardians and ensuring financial support is a crucial part of estate planning. If you own a business, planning for what happens to it after you are gone is equally important. An attorney can help set up succession plans and legal structures to keep things running smoothly.
Probate and Estate Administration
After a loved one passes away, the legal process of settling their estate can be overwhelming. An estate planning attorney helps executors and trustees handle probate, distribute assets, and resolve any disputes that arise, making the process easier for grieving families.
Regular Reviews and Updates
Estate planning is not a one-time task. As life changes—marriages, divorces, births, or changes in tax laws—your plan should be updated to reflect your current wishes and circumstances. Working with an attorney ensures your documents stay up to date.
Why Do You Need an Estate Planning Attorney?
Many people assume they do not need an estate plan or try to handle it themselves with online templates. This can lead to major problems down the road.
Here is why having an attorney matters:
Legal Knowledge
State and federal laws surrounding estate planning are constantly changing. Without professional guidance, it is easy to create a plan that does not hold up in court. An attorney ensures your documents meet all legal requirements and your estate is protected under Massachusetts law.
Customized Solutions
Every family’s situation is different. Whether you have a complex financial portfolio, own a business, or have loved ones with special needs, your estate plan should reflect those unique circumstances. An attorney creates a plan that fits your goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Tax Efficiency
Massachusetts has its own estate tax laws that can impact how much your heirs receive. An estate planning attorney can help reduce tax burdens by structuring your plan in a way that maximizes the amount passed on to your loved ones.
Avoiding Probate
The probate process can be long and expensive. A well-crafted estate plan can help your family avoid unnecessary delays by ensuring assets pass directly to beneficiaries through trusts and other legal tools.
Peace of Mind
Having a plan in place means you and your family will not have to worry about uncertainty. You will know that your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and everything is legally sound.
Complex Situations
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and some situations require extra planning. If you own a business, have children from multiple relationships, or want to support a charitable cause, an attorney can create a plan that ensures everything is handled correctly.
Minimizing Family Conflict
Unclear estate plans can lead to legal disputes between family members. By working with an attorney, you reduce the chances of misunderstandings, disagreements, and costly court battles.
Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Estate planning mistakes can cause unnecessary stress and financial loss. Some common pitfalls include:
- Procrastination – Waiting too long to create an estate plan can leave your family unprotected.
- Outdated Documents – Failing to update your documents can cause problems later.
- Not Considering Long-Term Care – Planning for potential healthcare needs ensures you are not caught off guard.
- Failing to Update Beneficiaries – Outdated beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement accounts can lead to assets going to the wrong people.
- Lack of Communication – If your family does not know about your estate plan, confusion can arise.
- Relying on Generic Forms – Online templates might not comply with Massachusetts law or address your specific needs.
- Ignoring Tax Implications – Without proper planning, a large portion of your estate could go to taxes.
An estate planning attorney helps avoid these mistakes, ensuring your wishes are clear and legally protected.
Planning for the Future: What to Expect When Working with Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C.
Our firm is committed to providing personalized legal services that fit your needs. When you work with us, you can expect:
- A Comprehensive Consultation – We take the time to understand your financial situation, family structure, and future goals.
- Custom Legal Documents – Every estate plan is crafted based on your specific circumstances.
- Guidance Every Step of the Way – We explain all legal options in plain terms, ensuring you make informed choices.
- A Long-Term Relationship – Estate planning is ongoing, and we will be here when you need updates or changes.
With decades of experience, our firm has helped countless families across Massachusetts protect what matters most.
Ready to Secure Your Legacy? Contact Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C. Today
Having a well-structured estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s future. Do not leave things to chance—let us help you create a plan that works for you.
Call Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., at (978) 878-3519 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you build a secure future for your loved ones.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of counsel. For more information, please consult an attorney.