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Massachusetts Estate Planning

Estate planning helps you prepare for the future. Our attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves creating legal documents to manage your assets and healthcare decisions. These documents are essential during life events and after passing. Select a subcategory for specific templates.

Common Massachusetts Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will — outlines asset distribution and appoints guardians.
  • Durable Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Living Trust — holds assets for your benefit while alive and distributes them after death.
  • Healthcare Directive — specifies your medical treatment preferences if you're unable to communicate.
  • Probate Documents — guide the legal process of settling an estate after death.

Estate Planning forms by State

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Will vs. Trust — a will takes effect after death; a trust can operate during life.
  • Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Proxy — a power of attorney manages financial decisions; a healthcare proxy makes medical choices.
  • Living Will vs. Healthcare Directive — a living will outlines end-of-life wishes; a healthcare directive provides broader medical instructions.
  • Durable Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney — a durable power remains effective if you become incapacitated; a general power ends in that case.

  • Documents typically require proper signing and, in many cases, witnesses.

  • Keep titles and beneficiary designations aligned across all documents.

  • Update your estate plan after major life events, like marriage or the birth of a child.

  • Select responsible parties who will act in your best interests.

  • Store original documents securely to ensure they are accessible when needed.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, mail, or e-sign.

Practical tip

It's common to feel unsure about which documents to prioritize; start with a will or trust.

FAQs

Estate planning prepares you for asset management and healthcare decisions during and after life.

While some people choose to consult a lawyer, many templates are user-friendly and easy to complete.

Review your estate plan after significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Without a plan, state laws dictate how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

Glossary

  • Will - Document that specifies how assets are distributed after death.
  • Trust - Arrangement to manage and distribute assets during and after life.
  • Power of Attorney - Legal document granting someone authority to act on your behalf.
  • Healthcare Directive - Document outlining medical treatment preferences if unable to communicate.
  • Probate - Legal process for settling a deceased person's estate.
  • Beneficiary - Person designated to receive assets from a will or trust.
  • Executor - Person responsible for administering a deceased person's estate.
  • Incapacity - State of being unable to make decisions due to health issues.
  • Living Will - Document specifying preferences for end-of-life care.
  • Durable Power of Attorney - Power of attorney that remains effective if you become incapacitated.

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