Estate Planning Attorney Services

Estate Planning:

At the Law Office of Jennifer P. Heald, we understand the importance of establishing a solid estate plan to safeguard your assets during your lifetime and secure their future for the benefit of your loved ones. Our estate planning services include:

Basic Documents: We assist in drafting essential legal documents such as Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, and Last Will and Testaments. These documents ensure your wishes are honored regarding medical decisions, financial matters, and the distribution of your estate.

Trusts: Our experienced team can guide you through the intricacies of various trust arrangements. We specialize in Revocable/Living Trusts, Irrevocable Medicaid Trusts, Testamentary Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Credit Shelter Trusts, and Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts. These trusts provide effective solutions for asset protection, tax planning, and the preservation of wealth for future generations.

Elder Law:

As an estate planning attorney, Jennifer P. Heald is well-versed in the unique legal challenges faced by older individuals and their families. Our elder law services encompass:

Long Term Care Planning: We offer comprehensive guidance to help you navigate the complexities of long-term care, including nursing home options, home care services, and Medicaid/MassHealth eligibility.

Guardianships and Conservatorships: When it becomes necessary to protect the interests of vulnerable adults, our firm can assist with establishing guardianships and conservatorships, ensuring their financial, medical, and personal affairs are managed responsibly.

Asset Protection:

Protecting your hard-earned assets is a crucial aspect of estate planning. At the Law Office of Jennifer P. Heald, we provide strategic solutions for asset protection, including:

Long-Term Care Asset Protection: We employ various strategies such as Irrevocable Medicaid Trusts, Wills with Testamentary Trusts, Life Estate Deeds, and Lifetime Gifting to safeguard your assets in the event of long-term care needs.

Estate/Death Tax Planning: Our team can help you navigate the complex landscape of estate and death taxes, implementing effective measures such as Credit Shelter Trusts and Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts to minimize tax obligations and maximize the wealth transferred to your beneficiaries.

Principal Residence Protection: We offer guidance on protecting your principal residence against creditors during your lifetime through the use of the Declaration of Homesteads.

Long Term Care:

The Law Office of Jennifer P. Heald is committed to assisting individuals and families with comprehensive long-term care planning. Our long-term care services include:

Comprehensive Care Planning: We provide personalized guidance for long-term care options, whether it’s in a nursing home or at home. We can help you navigate Medicaid (MassHealth) regulations, assist with applications, and ensure you receive the care you deserve.

Estate Administration:

When the time comes to administer an estate, our firm offers professional estate administration services, including:

Probate of Wills: We guide you through the probate process, ensuring the orderly distribution of assets according to the decedent’s wishes.

Trust Administration: Our team assists in managing and distributing assets held in trusts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and the smooth transition of wealth.

Sale of Estate Real Estate: If the estate includes real estate, we can handle the sale process, ensuring a seamless transaction and maximizing the value of the property.

Settlement of All Other Estate Matters: Our experienced estate administration team is equipped to handle all other estate matters, including the resolution of complex legal issues and the distribution of assets not covered by a will or trust.

Real Estate:

At the Law Office of Jennifer P. Heald, we provide comprehensive real estate services to individuals and families in Westport, MA and Fall River, MA. Whether you’re buying or selling property, our dedicated team is here to assist you. Our real estate services include:

Full Representation in Real Estate Transactions: We offer complete legal representation throughout the entire real estate transaction process. From reviewing and drafting Purchase and Sales Agreements to resolving septic system issues and correcting title issues, we ensure that your interests are protected at every step. We also handle the preparation of various deeds for estate planning purposes and draft Declarations of Homestead for asset protection.

Seller’s Side and Buyer’s Side Representation: Regardless of whether you are a seller or a buyer, we provide tailored legal guidance to meet your specific needs. For buyers, we specialize in cash deals, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction.

Representation for Variances: If you require a variance before the Board of Health or Board of Selectmen, our real estate team can provide skilled representation to help you navigate the process successfully.