Estate Planning Lawyer in Bristol County

At Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, we understand how deeply personal estate planning can be. Whether you’re preparing for the future of your family, protecting your assets, or ensuring your wishes are carried out with dignity, our office offers compassionate, personalized legal guidance every step of the way. Contact a knowledgeable and dedicated Bristol County estate planning lawyer from our legal team today.

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving Bristol County, MA

Here at Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, our estate planning services include:

Each plan is customized to meet the needs of individuals and families throughout towns in Bristol County, including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Dartmouth, and more. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that will protect your legacy and make transitions easier for those you love.

Why Estate Planning Is More Than Just a Will

Many people assume estate planning is only about creating a will, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. A strong estate plan takes a comprehensive approach; it considers your current financial picture, your long-term healthcare preferences, and the people you trust to manage your affairs if you’re no longer able.

At Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, we walk you through all the options so you can choose what’s right for your unique situation. For example, establishing a revocable living trust can help keep your estate out of probate, while a durable power of attorney ensures someone you trust can handle your financial matters if you become incapacitated. We also help parents set up guardianship directives and trusts for minor children, offering protection when it’s needed most.

Planning now can relieve your loved ones of difficult decisions later. Whether your estate is large or modest, everyone deserves a thoughtful plan.

Strategies to Avoid Probate

Probate in Massachusetts can be time-consuming, public, and costly. For many clients in Bristol County, one of the primary goals of estate planning is avoiding this court-supervised process altogether. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help:

Revocable Living Trusts: Transfer assets into a trust during your lifetime to avoid probate at death.
Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship: Assets pass directly to the joint owner upon your death.
Payable-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Designations: Useful for bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investments.
Beneficiary Designations: Ensure all your financial accounts and insurance policies list up-to-date beneficiaries.

Even if probate is unavoidable, we can help streamline the process and ensure that everything moves forward as smoothly as possible. Our firm assists both executors and heirs in navigating Massachusetts probate law with sensitivity and care.

FAQs We Hear from Bristol County Clients

Q: Do I really need a lawyer to write a will in Massachusetts?
A: While you can write your own will, a lawyer ensures it complies with Massachusetts law, avoids ambiguity, and integrates seamlessly with other estate planning tools. We often find that DIY wills lead to confusion or disputes.

Q: What happens if I don’t have a will?
A: If you pass away without a will, Massachusetts intestacy laws determine who inherits your property, which might not align with your wishes. This also means your estate will likely go through probate.

Q: Can I make changes to my estate plan later?
A: Absolutely. Life changes, such as marriage, divorce, children, and financial shifts, are all reasons to review and update your plan. We recommend revisiting your estate plan every 3–5 years or after any major life event.

Q: Is probate always necessary in Bristol County?
A: Not always. Small estates may qualify for a simplified process, and assets placed in trusts or with proper designations can avoid probate entirely. We evaluate your unique situation to determine the best path forward.

Bristol County Courts and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know

If your estate plan involves probate, guardianship, or any court-supervised matters, you’ll likely interact with the Bristol County Probate and Family Court, located at 40 Broadway, Taunton, MA 02780. This court handles estate administration, will contests, conservatorships, and guardianships.

Depending on the case complexity, hearings may also take place at satellite locations such as the Fall River Justice Center (186 South Main Street, Fall River, MA 02722) or the New Bedford satellite office (505 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740). Probate matters can take several months, sometimes longer, depending on the estate size and whether there are any disputes.

Filing requirements and procedures are strict, and it’s essential to comply with court deadlines. That’s why having a knowledgeable attorney who understands the inner workings of the Bristol County court system can save you time, stress, and unnecessary expenses.

Speak to an Estate Planning Lawyer in Bristol County

At Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, we know that thinking about the future can be emotional. You may be wondering where to begin, or how to protect those you love the most. That’s why we take the time to really listen. We get to know you–your values, your family, your concerns–and then craft a plan that reflects exactly what matters most to you. If you live in Bristol County, Massachusetts, and are ready to take the next step in securing your future, contact an estate planning lawyer today.