Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

It varies from attorney to attorney. These documents are not enough -- a complete estate plan really does require a well-drafted power of attorney, health care proxy, advance directives and HIPAA release. And, if you're talking about wanting an irrevocable trust, a responsible attorney is going to want to talk to you about that -- there are substantial tax and Medicaid implications for these documents, and they need to be drafted with great care to avoid unintended consequences.

Don't go for the lowest bidder -- go with an attorney who has experience and will listen carefully and ask careful questions about you, your circumstances, your family and your assets.

It will depend on the terms of the trust and what you are attempting to do. A Simple Will can run from $250 to $600 depending how simple it really is and what else is included such as a Durable Power of Attorney and Massachusetts health proxy.

As to an irrevocable trust, what kind of irrevocable trust is it? GRAT, Qualified Personal Residence Trust, GRUT, CLAT, Charitable Remainder Trust etc. Those can run from $2,500 to much more.

If you are concerned about price, the cost is not as important as getting the result you need. Some attorney's charge less than others and some less expensive attorneys are as good or better than more expensive ones. More important than anything is to make sure the attorney knows what he is doing and not doing something he may not regularly do.

I suggest you meet with one or two attorneys and see who you like and what their proposal is to solve or handle your estate planning issues.

Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

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