Practice Areas

Probate & Estate

Massachusetts Estate Planning Lawyer

Wills and Trusts • Elder Law • Probate Administration • Reverse Mortgage

Enforceable estate tools reduce confusion and prolonged legal challenges among beneficiaries. Effective estate planning documents also help families avoid excessive taxation. At the Law Office of Lawrence L. Hale, we demystify the estate planning process for our clients, and we are dedicated to making the probate process as seamless and stress-free as possible for family members.

For a legal review of your estate plans or to draft a will or trust, contact our Plymouth County probate and estates lawyer. We provide effective legal services for sensible fees for clients in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Upper Cape Cod area.

Life and Estate Planning

At the Law Office of Lawrence L. Hale, in Carver, Massachusetts, we help families develop legal tools that record last wishes and clear instructions regarding distribution of assets. We draft or update effective estate documents, including:

• Wills
• Trusts to preserve and manage assets
• Durable powers of attorney to manage your affairs when you cannot
• Massachusetts healthcare proxies - advanced healthcare directives regarding feeding tubes and other life support options

Elder Law

Mr. Hale offers extensive knowledge in the developing field of "elder law," providing legal guidance and representation in:

• Asset preservation — avoiding spend-down of private assets while qualifying for Massachusetts Medical Assistance and Social Security
• Planning for assisted living or nursing home care, including advice on private long-term care insurance
• Elder abuse — taking action on behalf of seniors subjected to fraud, undue influence, or physical or emotional abuse

Reverse Mortgages — Using the Equity You've Paid into Your Home

People 62 years or older can benefit from a reverse mortgage, improving their quality of life by taking money out of their home equity. You will not have to pay another mortgage payment for as long as you live, and withdrawals or annuities are not taxed. It can mean the difference between living near poverty or enjoying a decent lifestyle during your "golden years."

These mortgages are federally controlled and legitimate. (The only downside is that there will be little or no equity to pass on to future generations.) The Law Office of Lawrence L. Hale can advise clients on the pros and cons and assists in obtaining a reverse mortgage from a reputable broker.

Probate Administration / Probate Litigation

In the absence of an enforceable will or trust, the estate of the decedent goes into probate and is handled according to Massachusetts state law. A probate court will consider motions and requests by surviving family members, potential beneficiaries, and representatives of the estate. Our probate attorney represents heirs, executors, and estate administrators in routine probate and estate disputes involving will contests and challenges to trust administrations. We also assist executors in all duties of settling a loved one's estate, including

Lawrence L. Hale has practiced law in Massachusetts for more than 30 years, and served the community of Carver and surrounding areas since 1989. He offers free legal advice to seniors at The Carver Council on Aging the second Thursday of each month.

If you need legal advice or representation in estate planning, elder law, or probate matters, contact our Southeastern Massachusetts law office today.