The ability to control and disperse one’s assets anyway he or she sees fit is one of the great freedoms allowed to those of us living in the United States. Most people work very hard to aquire their assets, but – the reality is – very few people actually spend the same effort in examining the various legal structures available to them in organizing these same assets. The focus is often on acquisition rather than organization. This is unfortunate, because there are actually a great number of legal tools available to those who wish to take advantage of them.

In addition to the standard revocable and irrevocable trusts available in most states, Massachusetts also allows for a unique trust called a nominee or realty trust. This special trust has multiple uses, and can be used in ways not readily apparent to the average person or even to the average attorney (For a discussion on the various uses of the nominee trust, click here). All of these are valuable tools that can be used to configure and structure ones assets into the ideal organization.

There is a reason that both wills and trusts are always placed under the heading of “estate planning.” The two are perhaps more related than most people think. Of course, it is perfectly possible to use a realty trust or living trust, without any thought given to the disbursement of one’s assets upon death, but – in reality – the two often go hand in hand. One of the major goals of estate planners today is a focus on “probate avoidance.” This is not driven by estate planners themselves, per se, but rather a desire to get clients what they truly want, as far as their assets are concerned. We can discuss all of these issues with you, and explain why you, also, might want to initiate an estate plan that includes a number of probate avoidance mechanisms.

Whether you need a will drafted and executed, a trust formed, trustee assistance with a trust already executed, real estate placed in a realty trust, or guidance with the probate of an estate, we can assist you and provide you invaluable guidance and expertise. Even if you are unsure of what you need, but wish to discuss your options and learn more about some of the more complex tools and structures available to you, in your given situation, we are happy to help and to provide you with this information.

Your initial consultation is absolutely free, and entirely confidential. Call Hoffman Law today!