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Estate Planning

Determining if a Bypass Trust is Right for a Couple

As Massachusetts couples get older or acquire more assets, they may begin thinking about how to plan their estate in the event that one or both parties pass away. In some cases, couples may decide to use a bypass trust, though this option is not for everyone.

Good Assets and Bad Assets for Heirs

Massachusetts residents involved in creating an estate plan may be interested to learn that taxes are levied on varying assets in different ways. According to a recent article, some types of assets should be held in the estate until death because their tax basis will be stepped-up when they pass to heirs, allowing them to avoid certain amounts of capital gains taxation.

Understanding Heir Structure During Estate Planning

In Massachusetts, a complex chart of potential heirs is used to determine who inherits an estate unless estate planning documents are in play. Understanding how the state courts view the heir structure can help ensure the estate planning process includes specific documents and language to protect heirs that may not be fully protected by the court alone.

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