Wills Attorney in Needham, MA

Your last will is the foundational document of any effective estate plan. It is the legal mechanism that allows you to direct who inherits your property and, critically, who will manage your estate and care for your minor children after you pass away.

At Lannik Law, we serve clients across the Greater Boston area, Cape Cod, and Mashpee, creating wills that are not only legally sound but perfectly aligned with your family’s unique circumstances and your comprehensive long-term care goals. A will is your final, authoritative voice.

Book a consultation with our Needham & Mashpee wills lawyer by calling us at (781) 303-9594 or reaching out online. We offer virtual meetings for your convenience. 

Why a Will Is Essential for Everyone

Many people rely on the assumption that their spouse or children will "just know" their final wishes, or that simply possessing assets is enough to ensure they go to the right people. This assumption is a risk you cannot afford to take.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? (Intestacy)

If you die without a valid will, you are said to die "intestate." In Massachusetts, your estate is then subject to rigid intestate succession laws (Chapter 190B of the Massachusetts General Laws).

Loss of control: The state, not you, dictates who inherits your assets.

Complicated distribution: The distribution rules are often complex and may not align with your wishes. 

• If you are married with children, your spouse may have to share your estate with your children, especially if you have descendants who are not also descendants of your spouse (step-children).
• If you are married but have no children, your spouse may still have to share the estate with your surviving parents.
• Your close friends, partners, or favorite charities will inherit nothing, as the law only recognizes specific blood relatives and spouses.

Court-appointed guardianship: If you have minor children, the court must appoint a legal guardian for them, possibly leading to expensive, lengthy proceedings and an outcome you would not have chosen.

Probate complication: The court must appoint an administrator (instead of your chosen executor/personal representative) to manage the process, often making the probate procedure slower and more contentious.

The Power of Your Will: What You Can Put in It

A properly drafted will does much more than just name heirs; it gives you control over crucial aspects of your estate.

• Designate your personal representative (executor): You name the trustworthy individual (or entity) who will be legally responsible for carrying out your final instructions, paying debts, and distributing property.
• Appoint a guardian for minor children: This is arguably the most vital role of a will for parents, allowing you to choose who will raise your children if both parents are deceased.
• Distribute specific property: You can make specific bequests of items (for example, "my jewelry to my daughter") and specify the recipients of the residue (the remainder of your estate).
• Create a testamentary trust: You can use your will as a blueprint to create a trust that goes into effect upon your death. This is often used to manage inheritances for minor children or beneficiaries with special needs.
• Direct payment of debts and taxes: You can provide instructions on which assets should be used to cover funeral costs, debts, and estate taxes.