Reliable Wills from a Worcester County Estate Planning Attorney

Clearly and effectively describing your final wishes

Drafting a will is a deeply personal process, and determining the type of legacy you want to leave for your family can require a great deal of soul-searching. What’s more, failing to clearly and completely express your intentions can lead to confusion, disputes among your family members or, even worse, invalidation of your will. At Gould & Ettenberg, P.C., we take the time to give our clients the attention that such a personal and important process deserves. We listen to your goals and concerns, suggest methods of accomplishing those goals and then memorialize your intentions in a clear and comprehensive document. That is why individuals throughout the Worcester County area have trusted our will drafting and estate planning services for more than 35 years.

Will drafting

By discussing a will with an experienced Worcester County estate planning attorney, you can better understand the meaning and necessity of each provision of your will and fine-tune each clause to effectively convey your intentions:

  • Bequests — An attorney can help you create a distribution scheme that accounts for all your property and provides for alternate distributions should one or more beneficiaries predecease you. This ensures that the people and causes that matter to you receive the portion of your estate that you intend.
  • Special provisions for certain beneficiaries — A well-drafted will and trust can make particular provisions for young or special needs beneficiaries to protect their shares until they are able to use them responsibly and to preserve their eligibility for certain government services and benefits.
  • Nomination of personal representatives — A will should name a personal representative responsible for overseeing your estate and list the powers he or she may exercise. It is also wise to name one or more alternates should your first choice be unwilling or unable to serve.
  • Other estate planning documents — In addition to the will, a power of attorney and healthcare proxy can give a designated family member or other person the authority and direction to act on your behalf should you become incapacitated or unable to handle your own affairs.

Contesting a will

While issues during probate are always a possibility, having thorough documents drafted by an experienced estate planning attorney can make will disputes less likely. Ensuring your documents are sufficiently witnessed and meet the technical requirements for validity in Massachusetts can avoid will contests, including those based on fraud, duress and incapacity. And ensuring your will is clear and comprehensive can reduce the likelihood of disputes over the meaning and operation of the will’s provisions.

We can help you memorialize and accomplish your estate planning intentions

You can count on a lawyer from Gould & Ettenberg, P.C. to provide personal attention and sound advice while helping you draft your will and estate plan. Contact us by phone at 508-752-6733 or contact us online to set up a consultation with a caring and experienced attorney today. We are conveniently located in downtown Worcester with easy access to both state and federal courthouses as well as convenient parking.