GUANCI LAW LLC

Personal service of a small law firm with sophisticated legal representation

The Estate Planning Process – Uncomplicating the Estate Planning Process

The Estate Planning process can be complicated. We guide our clients through the process with a complimentary consultation so that you fully understand the estate planning process that will protect your family and loved ones.

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“Matt made this process as uncomplicated as possible. I had no idea what I needed or what to expect, but he explained everything in basic terms that were easy to understand. I feel so relieved doing this.”

The 5-Step Estate Planning Process

Although every client is different, we typically take the following steps when implementing your plan:

STEP 1

We have an initial complimentary consultation either in person or over the phone or zoom, whichever you prefer. Many clients like to meet in person, while many clients do not have enough time to do so and prefer a phone call or a zoom meeting.

During the initial consultation, we:

  • Summarize what estate planning actually entails. That’s part of the education process.
  • Determine your preliminary goals and objectives.
  • Gather necessary information and financial data.
  • Provide a brief overview of the type of estate plan that may be appropriate for you.
  • Explain the estate planning process.
  • Provide a more comprehensive Data Form for you to complete (which is used to ensure the plan we recommend is the appropriate one for you).

STEP 2

After receiving the completed Data Form and you are interested, we follow up with an email that includes: a summary of our discussion, our preliminary recommendations regarding your options for an appropriate plan, a flow chart of the proposed plan, and a quote of the fee (Estate planning is on a flat fee basis).

STEP 3

Third, if you would like to proceed and implement the estate plan, we prepare drafts of your estate plan documents, which we send to you along with an summary of the important elements.

STEP 4

Fourth, we can have follow-up meeting or phone/zoom call to review your documents and answer any questions you may have. If you request any changes to the documents, we then make those revisions.

STEP 5

We schedule a convenient time for you to sign your estate planning documents.

The Basics of Estate Planning

  • Protecting yourself and your assets in the event of incapacity (thus avoiding court interference)
  • Ensuring a surviving spouse (or other loved one) will be financially secure and in control of the assets
  • Avoiding Probate
  • Asset Protection
  • Minimizing Estate Taxes: Massachusetts & Federal
  • Guardian Appointments for Minor
  • Children Prenuptial Agreements
  • Inheritance Planning for Children / Loved Ones Who:
    ~are minors
    ~have creditor issues (such as potential divorce)
    ~have drug or addiction issues
    ~have special needs
  • Income Tax Planning – Minimizing taxes
  • Long Term Care Planning
  • Charitable Planning – Making Your Legacy Count

Common estate planning documents

Depending on your objectives and the complexity of your particular circumstances, your estate plan will typically include a combination of the following documents:

  • Last Will & Testament
  • Power of Attorney
  • Health Care Proxy
  • Revocable Trust
  • Irrevocable Trust
  • Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
  • Income Only Trust for Long Term Care (MassHealth) Planning
  • Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT)
  • Directed Trust
  • Deed, Homestead & Other Relevant Real Estate Forms
  • Charitable Trusts
  • Formation of Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, Corporation
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