Wills

The Will is often the core document of a basic estate plan, in that it directs the distribution of your assets to beneficiaries of your choosing upon your death.  Without a Will, Massachusetts law governs the distribution of your property, often with unfortunate results and anyone interested in your estate could petition the court for Administration, circumventing your wishes and setting up a costly and emotionally draining court fight. 

 But a Will does much more than simply govern the distribution of your assets at your death - it also allows you to name an Executor to administer your estate.  Once appointed by the Probate Court, your Executor acts as the representative of your estate in conformity with time honored estate settlement procedures, and he or she will be responsible for carrying out your wishes as written in your Will.  Finally, your Will is the only legal document in which you can name a Guardian for your minor children.