Many people do not realize the importance of having basic estate planning services in place. When an individual dies without a will, he or she is referred to as intestate, and despite what he or she may have "said" or "promised" to loved ones, all assets are divided in strict accordance with Massachusetts intestacy laws, rather than the wishes of the deceased.

This is not the way most people want their estate to be handled upon their passing. It is also not what anyone would want their friends and family to face during an already difficult time. When an individual does have a legal will, he or she is regarded as testate, and all assets are handled according to that will and testament.

• Simple Will (Assigns control and distribution of assets.)
• Living Will (Direction in the event that you require extraordinary medical treatment)
• Durable Power of Attorney (Appoint a person to manage your affairs should you be unable.)
• Health Care Proxy (Appoint a health care agent to make medical decisions for you, should you be unable to make your own decisions.)
• Homestead Exemption (Allows Massachusetts homeowners to protect their property up to $500,000 from unsecured creditors)