THE INFORMATION BELOW IS MEANT MERELY AS A VISUAL AID AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR ACCURACY OR AS LEGAL ADVICE.  PLEASE SEEK QUALIFIED LEGAL COUNSEL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

One or more of the following documents may be advisable, depending upon your individual situation:

(Those documents marked with asterisks are, generally, the most commonly suggested.)


Durable Power of  Attorney *

To authorize a trusted friend or family member to deal with your financial affairs and assets, if you are unable.
 
Massachusetts Health Care Proxy *

To authorize a trusted friend or family member to make medical decisions, if you cannot.

Living Will Declaration  

(*Also commonly requested)

To express your wishes regarding life-prolonging treatments and machinery, in the event of a

catastrophic and permanent state of inability.
                              
Will  (or "Last Will  and Testament") *
To choose how your assets will be distributed through the Probate Court upon your death, and to name a

"Personal Representative" (formerly "Executor") to be responsible for completing the Probate Court process.
                             
Quitclaim Deed

(*Also commonly requested)
To add names of family members to Deeds, to make gifts of Real Estate and to help avoid Probate.

Private Family Mortgage
To sell real estate privately using payments over time, without the buyer using a bank loan.

Declaration of Homestead *
To help protect your home against creditors and deter a forced sale for nursing home care under Medicaid rules.

Living Trust

(Also very often requested for more comprehensive planning.)
To name someone to manage your financial affairs and assets if you become unable, to mirror the terms of

a Will, without needing public Probate (as required with a Will) and/or for non-traditional or blended families.
                              
Other Trusts
To entrust your assets to family members for long-term care planning · to make family gifts or plan charitable donations · to manage your investments or plan for advantageous income and estate tax treatment · to make thoughtful arrangements for disabled loved ones · and/or for a variety of other purposes.