You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone

Listen to Song...

Have you heard the Anna Kendrick cups song from the movie, Pitch Perfect?  The lyrics resonate for a firm always trying to preserve family memories.  What would you miss most if you lost someone you loved?  If you had to preserve a memory of yourself, how would you want to be remembered?

Some simple things you can do today are make family photobooks, record videos talking about things you want your family to remember, and gathering small items to place in a special memory box.  Anything you can do to preserve lasting memories will be appreciated and treasured more than you know.

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
Two bottle whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I'm leaving tomorrow. What d'you say?

[2x]
When I'm gone, when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
The one with the prettiest of views
It's got mountains, it's got rivers
It's got sights to give you shivers
But it sure would be prettier with you

[3x]
When I'm gone, when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my walk
You're gonna miss me by my talk, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

If you've ever experienced losing a loved one, the lyrics "you're gonna miss me when I'm gone" ring too true.  Call us today at (978) 296-4140 or email info@wilsonlf.com if you would like to preserve your memories.  If you mention this Family Post Blog we will include a "Family Legacy Conversation" in your estate planning package at no cost.

Wilson, lf is a family-focused boutique law firm specializing in estate planning located in Andover, Massachusetts and Washington, DC.  We help parents like you organize your affairs, in style, to protect your investments and provide for your loved ones.  We are so passionate about providing "a plan for every family" that we meet families throughout Massachusetts and DC in their homes or offices and have some evening and weekend appointments available every month for utmost convenience. www.wilsonlf.com

Getting Your Affairs In Order: One of the Best Things You Can Do For Yourself & Your Family

Wilson, lf Featured in Woman's Day Magazine

Have you been meaning to put a will in place, but just never seem to find the time or the motivation?  There is no better time than the present, especially since you never know if and when something will happen to you or your family!

Woman's Day Magazine recently consulted with and featured Wilson, lf in an article noting the importance of getting your affairs in order.

The overall benefit is the peace of mind knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect and provide for your family.


Here are the key takeaways:

1. Don't procrastinate!  Yes, these are hard decisions to make, it may seem overwhelming and expensive, but it doesn't have to be.  The worst plan is no plan!  Have you thought about what would happen to your family if something happened to you today?
2. The Key Documents You Need to Put In Place: Everyone knows they need a will, but that is only one piece of the estate plan (and not the best option for most families who own a home and have young children).  You should also have a Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Advance Directive/Living Will, HIPAA Release, Homestead Declaration (in MA), and a Family Trust.
3. Take Stock:  While it is critical to have your estate plan documents in place, it is also very important to organize your financial assets, instructions, and legacy into an easy to comprehend manual for your family and trusted friends to be able to reference when you are not there to tell them where everything is.
4. Choose Your Key People:  You need to have trusted family and friends help you and your family if something happens to you.  You will rely on them to care for your children, handle your finances, and make medical decisions for you.

Wilson, lf is a family-focused boutique law firm specializing in estate planning located in Andover, Massachusetts and Washington, DC.  We help parents like you organize your affairs, in style, to protect your investments and provide for your loved ones.  We are so passionate about providing "a plan for every family" that we meet families throughout Massachusetts and DC in their homes or offices and have some evening and weekend appointments available every month for utmost convenience. www.wilsonlf.com

6 Cases When a Trust is Better Than a Will in Massachusetts

Andover, Massachusetts

A will is one of the most basic Massachusetts estate planning documents, and everyone should have one to make sure that there is no question about what would happen to your assets and kids if something happens to you.  But there are some cases when having a trust in addition to a will is imperative; here are six of them:

Avoiding probate or conservatorship.  A trust will bypass the probate process, saving the people you love time and money.  To carry out instructions in a will, a probate must be opened in the county court (in Lawrence, MA if you live in Andover, MA) and that means your family is stuck dealing with the Court if you get hospitalized or after you die.

Providing for a person with special needs.  If you have a child or another dependent with special needs, a trust commonly known as a Special Needs Trust can protect assets for a special needs person without jeopardizing their qualification for government benefits.  A will allows you to transfer assets to a special needs person, but will not protect those assets.

Privacy.  Since a will undergoes probate in court, it becomes public record.  A trust is private.

Blended families.  If you are part of a blended family, a trust can give you the flexibility you will want to make sure that children from prior marriages are provided for in the way you want.

Out-of-state property.  If you own property in another state besides Massachusetts, you can more easily transfer ownership via a trust than a will.  Transferring out-of-state property in a will usually means additional legal expenses because you could have probate in multiple states and that is no fund for the people you love.

Asset protection.  If you want to protect the assets you leave your loved ones from creditors (including bankruptcy and divorce) a trust is the way to do it. It’s a gift you can give your loved ones that they could not easily (or at all) give themselves.  

If you would like to learn more about the use of trusts in Massachusetts to pass on what you care about to the people you love, call our office today to schedule a time for us to sit down and talk. We normally charge $750 for a Family Plan Session, but because this planning is so important, I’ve made space for the next two people who mention this article to have a complete planning session at no charge. Call 978-296-4140 today and mention this article.

Wilson, lf is a family-focused boutique law firm specializing in estate planning located in Andover, Massachusetts and Washington, DC.  We help parents like you organize your affairs, in style, to protect your investments and provide for your loved ones.  We are so passionate about providing "a plan for every family" that we meet families throughout Massachusetts and DC in their homes or offices and have some evening and weekend appointments available every month for utmost convenience. www.wilsonlf.com