Estate Planning & Probate
Be sure you’re ready for the future by using one of our services: Estate Planning, Probate and Administration, Business Succession Planning, or Charitable Giving and Tax Planning.
Estate Planning
Most Estate Plans consist of a Last Will and Testament, Financial and Medical Advanced Directives and one or several Trusts.
An estate plan for an individual or a family is as unique as one's fingerprint. When you are working with an experienced estate planning attorney, your goal is to develop plan that meets your current and future situation. Your Estate Plan will rely on one or more documents that will set forth your objectives and methods for achieving those objectives.
More importantly, however, we will strive to give you guidance that will enable you to know when your Plan may need to be amended if you decide to retire a few years earlier, receive an unexpected inheritance or win a lottery.
Your Last Will and Testament or Will is the cornerstone of your estate planning. In the Will you are expressing your final wishes for the disposition of your property and providing other important directions. You may make changes to your Will as many times as you want while you are alive. The contents of your Will changes with you. because your life goals may be changing.
Every competent adult has the right to appoint a health care agent and a financial proxy to act on their behalf. By executing a Health Care Proxy you are giving your agent the authority to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to continue directing the continued course of treatment. A power of attorney document allows someone that you select your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” to act on your behalf in financial matters.
A trust can provide for financial management of your assets during your lifetime, in the event of your incapacity as well as after your death. A person may have one or several trusts each serving its own purpose and all coming together as a part of a family estate plan.
Probate & Administration
Attorney Nicholas Ratush is dedicated to providing compassionate and efficient probate and estate administration services to clients in Massachusetts and New York. The passing of a loved one can be a challenging time, and we are here to guide you through the legal complexities with sensitivity and expertise.
Probate is the legal process of validating a deceased person's will and overseeing the distribution of their assets according to their wishes. Mr. Ratush will navigate you through the probate process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met, debts are settled, and assets are distributed accurately and expeditiously.
In cases where the deceased did not leave a will, estate administration becomes essential. Mr. Ratush will assist in identifying heirs, determining asset distribution according to state intestacy laws, and handling any outstanding debts.
Mr. Ratush understands that each estate is unique, and our personalized approach ensures that every aspect of probate and estate administration is handled meticulously. He aims to alleviate the burden on grieving families by efficiently managing the legal procedures while providing clear communication and support throughout the process.
Whether you are a personal representative / executor, beneficiary, or concerned family member, our firm is equipped to manage estates of varying sizes and complexities. With a deep understanding of Massachusetts and New York laws, Attorney Ratush will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests during probate and estate administration. Let us assist you in honoring your loved one's wishes and preserving their legacy.
Business Succession Planning
Mr. Ratush counsels business owners how to provide for the orderly transition of control for the business and its owners when the owners retire or move on.
Small business owners typically wear many hats every day. Attorney Ratush help develop strategies to make sure that in the event that something happens to the owner / key person, there is a succession plan for delegating responsibilities and dividing profits.
Even in the smallest of businesses, such as a rental of a single house or a condominium unit requires advance planning to ensure that the rent is collected and the bills are paid.
With more complicated businesses involving multiple partners, we help you develop strategies for continuous involvement in the operation of the business or sale of the deceased owner’s share to his or her business partners.
Charitable Giving & Tax Planning
Our firm recognizes the significance of charitable giving in making a positive impact on society. Attorney Ratush is committed to assisting clients in structuring effective charitable giving plans that align with their philanthropic goals while optimizing tax benefits.
Whether it's creating charitable trusts, establishing donor-advised funds, or forming private foundations, our team will provide personalized solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Attorney Ratush will fight to ensure you receive the maximum tax deductions for your charitable contributions.
Let us help you leave a lasting legacy while strategically managing your tax liabilities. Together, we can make a difference in the world while securing your financial objectives.