Attorneys Representing Clients In

New Hampshire And Massachusetts

Ensuring Your Objectives Are Incorporated Into Your Estate Plan

Whether you make millions or you are a middle-income earner, it is important to have a will in place — and to be certain that it reflects your current wishes. At Backus, Meyer & Branch, LLP, in Manchester, we work with clients from all walks of life, helping them put the legal documents in place that will ensure their assets pass to those they wish. Without a will, there is no guarantee that it will happen.

Some individuals need only an estate plan composed of a will and powers of attorney, which designate someone to make health care and financial decisions if the person is unable to do so. For others, however, additional estate planning tools are necessary to accomplish specific objectives.

Trusts Can Accomplish A Variety Of Goals

Trusts, for example, are incorporated into many estate plans to accomplish a variety of goals. These include:

  • Bypassing probate during estate administration
  • Providing supplemental income to a family member with special needs without risking the recipient’s ability to receive government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid
  • Reducing estate taxes for high-asset families
    • As of 2015, an individual may leave $5.43 million to beneficiaries before incurring federal estate taxes
  • Creating charitable foundations upon death
  • Putting a stipulation on an inheritance such as reaching a certain age, earning a college degree or completing a drug rehabilitation program

Keeping An Estate Plan Current

People’s lives are constantly changing. A death in the family, divorce, new grandchildren and other life changes are a good time to reassess an existing estate plan to make sure it still reflects your wishes. We regularly review estate plans with clients and make any necessary changes.

Many of our clients tell us they are surprised by the peace of mind that comes with having a comprehensive estate plan in place, and they wish they had done it a lot sooner. Find out for yourself by working with our experienced estate planning lawyers.

Call 603-244-3282 or use our online contact form to schedule a meeting. We work with clients throughout Hillsborough County and surrounding New Hampshire counties.