Email course starts when you enroll

Learn the basics of MA Estate Planning in just 5 days.
A free, 5-day email course to demystify estate planning. It’s not that complicated.
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Schedule a free telephone talk about estate planning for you. <a href="https://barbarakellychat.youcanbook.me/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pick the time</a> for this call directly, saving you time and making the process more efficient without the hassle of extra phone calls! 
 
SPECIAL REPORT - MODERN ESTATE ATTORNEY BETTER THAN&nbsp;DIY 
In an era where digital solutions offer do-it-yourself (DIY) options for almost anything, including estate planning, it's crucial to understand why engaging with an estate lawyer remains the superior choice for managing your estate. While DIY estate planning tools promise convenience and cost savings, they fall short in several key areas compared to the comprehensive service provided by estate lawyers. This essay integrates the comparison between estate lawyers and DIY solutions, emphasizing nuanced documents, informed will vs. trust choices, custom advice, and the benefits of a modern hybrid approach.

<h3>Nuanced Documents vs. Generic Templates</h3>
DIY estate planning platforms often rely on generic templates that may not cater to the unique complexities of your situation. Estate lawyers, on the other hand, excel in creating nuanced, personalized documents. Whether it's accounting for the dynamics of a blended family, properties in multiple states, or specific charitable intentions, estate lawyers ensure that your estate plan is meticulously tailored to your circumstances. This level of customization safeguards your interests and intentions in ways that a one-size-fits-all template cannot.

<h3>Informed Will vs. Trust Decisions</h3>
Choosing between a will and a trust is a nuanced decision, influenced by personal, financial, and legal factors. While DIY services provide overviews, they lack the depth to offer personalized advice. Estate lawyers, with their deep understanding of estate law, guide you through making an informed choice that aligns with your goals. They consider your financial situation, privacy preferences, and specific family needs, offering insights that go beyond the surface level information typically found in DIY platforms.

<h3>Custom Advice Tailored to Your Needs</h3>
The complex nature of estate planning demands customized advice, something DIY solutions are inherently unable to provide. Estate lawyers offer strategic counsel tailored to your unique situation, addressing legal, financial, and personal considerations. They anticipate potential challenges and provide solutions, ensuring your estate plan is comprehensive and compliant with current laws. This proactive and personalized approach is particularly crucial for navigating the complexities of your estate, offering peace of mind and security for the future.

<h3>State Laws Differ from Another/Real Concern for You?</h3>
Despite claims to the contrary, this author has received mailings from out of state DIY companies that did not even know that two witnesses are needed for a valid MA will, and thought only a notary was needed. Some states have a gift tax and others do not. MA estate tax law is unique and unlike any other state. This stuff is too important to leave to a company based in Texas or CA. 
Will they point out to you that you maybe should file a MA homestead declaration? Will they look in our registry of deeds for you whether you already have one or if you need a newer, better declaration to give you more asset protection? Will they care? Can they?
<h3> 

</h3>
<h3>A Modern, Hybrid Approach</h3>
The modern approach to estate planning, blending digital efficiency with personal service, further distinguishes estate lawyers from DIY options. This model starts with convenient online interactions for information gathering and preliminary consultations, moving to detailed document reviews via video conferencing platforms like Zoom. This process combines the best of both worlds—digital convenience and the invaluable personal touch of in-person meetings.
Additionally, the transparent, flat-rate pricing model adopted by many estate lawyers today addresses common concerns about legal costs, providing clarity and predictability absent in many DIY platforms. The culmination of this process—a personal meeting to sign the documents—ensures that all legal formalities are observed, blending efficiency with the necessary legal rigor.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
While DIY estate planning tools may appeal to those seeking a quick and seemingly cost-effective solution, they significantly lack the depth, personalization, and legal rigor provided by estate lawyers.
 From creating nuanced documents and making informed decisions between wills and trusts to offering customized advice and adopting a modern, hybrid approach, estate lawyers provide a service that is both comprehensive and tailored to individual needs.
 
Provided by: 
Attorney Joel Bernstein, principal of MA Wills and Trusts, Lexington, MA
Visit <a href="https://www.jbernsteinlaw.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MA Wills and Trusts: The only law we practice.</a>

Local Event: MA Wills and Trusts: Free 5-Day Email Course

Lexington

Massachusetts

MA Wills and Trusts: Free 5-Day Email Course

Thursday April 18, 2024: Learn the basics of MA Estate Planning in just 5 days.
A free, 5-day email course to demystify estate planning. It’s...

Golden Ball Tavern Museum

This event has SOLD OUT!&nbsp; Join our mailing list <a href="https://www.goldenballtavern.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn of future tastings and other museum events.
 
Join us at the Golden Ball Tavern Museum for a beer tasting like no other - flavorful brews that are Non-Alcoholic*! 
Come and experience a unique beer tasting event with a variety of delicious non-alcoholic brews - from light, refreshing beer to rich stout – with sours and IPA’s in between! Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this event is for you. <a href="https://www.wfbrewery.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Woodland Farms Brewery</a> of Kittery, Maine, will be joining us at the Golden Ball Tavern Museum for a fun-filled evening of exploring different flavors and discovering your new favorite non-alcoholic beer*. 
Our tasting will be accompanied by Snack Tazza cups from<a href="https://www.lifelovecheese.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Life. Love. Cheese</a>. chosen to complement your experience.
 Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind tasting experience and get ready the summer season with delicious alternative beverages. 
*Non-alcoholic beers contain less than .5% of alcohol. 
You must be 21 or older to attend.
Tickets are $35 per person - members receive a $5 discount by entering Member5 at checkout.
Get your tickets<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/856401448787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> here</a>! 
Our event is sponsored by Woodland Farms Brewery and all proceeds benefit the museum. 

Not a Member yet?&nbsp; You can join <a href="https://www.goldenballtavern.org/membership" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local Event: Join us for a Non-Alcoholic Beer Tasting with Woodland Farms Brewery of Kittery, Maine

Weston

Join us for a Non-Alcoholic Beer Tasting with...

Thursday April 18, 2024: This event has SOLD OUT!&nbsp; Join our mailing list HERE to learn of future tastings and other museum events.

Join...

Join us for a Non-Alcoholic Beer Tasting with Woodland Farms Brewery of Kittery, Maine

The Cambridge School of Weston

AS SEEN IN THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY, <a href="https://vimeo.com/687266805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YOUTH V GOV</a>! 
 The Cambridge School of Weston is excited to host a community conversation with Mat dos Santos and Laura Gehrke of <a href="https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Children’s Trust</a>, a groundbreaking nonprofit organization that empowers youth to secure their legal rights to a life-sustaining climate. 
Join us to hear the story of Held v. State of Montana — the first children's constitutional climate change case in history to go to trial — in which 16 youth successfully sued the state of Montana to protect their equal rights to a healthy environment, life, dignity, and freedom. Engage in a lively discussion of the practice and power of youth activism and the extraordinary ripple effect of Held v. State of Montana nationwide.
This event is free and open to the public.

Local Event: Youth-Powered Climate Justice with Our Children's Trust

Youth-Powered Climate Justice with Our...

Wednesday April 24, 2024: AS SEEN IN THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY, YOUTH V GOV!
The Cambridge School of Weston is excited to host a community...

Youth-Powered Climate Justice with Our Children's Trust

<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/25992706/20240320/093756/roxburyweston-logo___20093752339.jpg" data-image="r4eqfeg1l6o7"></figure>
 Roxbury Weston Preschool now enrolling for Fall 2024.&nbsp;Please join us for our Open House on Saturday 4/27 from 10:00-11:30.&nbsp;
In the interim please check out our&nbsp;website at roxwes.org and our Facebook page Roxbury Weston Programs&nbsp;Inc.&nbsp;to get a glimpse of all&nbsp;the fun things we do at our preschool.
Interested in learning more now? Please reach out to&nbsp;
Robin Levin, Director&nbsp;781-891-6710 or director@roxwes.org.

Local Event: Roxbury Weston Preschool   OPEN HOUSE 4/27 10:00-11:30

Roxbury Weston Preschool   OPEN HOUSE 4/27...

Saturday April 27, 2024: 
Roxbury Weston Preschool now enrolling for Fall 2024.&nbsp;Please join us for our Open House on Saturday 4/27 from...

Roxbury Weston Preschool   OPEN HOUSE 4/27 10:00-11:30

Join Richard Feldman, CEO of Ginger Care, as he explains One Wingate Way East's Financial Model and answers your entry fee questions. Lite Breakfast Fare Served.
Please RSVP to 781-328-6699, online at OneWingateWayEast.com or via email <a href="mailto:sales@wingateliving.com">sales@wingateliving.com</a>.

Local Event: The Entry Fee Model and What it Means to You

The Entry Fee Model and What it Means to You

Tuesday April 30, 2024: Join Richard Feldman, CEO of Ginger Care, as he explains One Wingate Way East's Financial Model and answers your...

Babson College Babson Executive Conference Center 1 Snyder Drive Babson Park, MA 02457

With a $34T deficit &amp; rising geopolitical tensions there is strong likelihood of two things: Increasing prices for goods and services, and higher taxes.
 
50% of Americans have no retirement plan at all…….and for those that do, it’s based on the classic rules of retirement planning.
 
But, what if those rules change?
 
Is throwing money at the stock market and calling it a plan a viable option?
 
 
Being held at Babson College, Retirement Planning Today is a 2-day educational course designed to teach you how to navigate today’s changing markets.
 
During this course you will learn how to create a forward-thinking, proactive tax strategy designed to reduce the lifetime tax bill.
 
And investment strategies designed to offset inflation, create higher tangible income, and better protect your hard-earned assets.
 
 
Specific Topics Include:
Assessing how much you will need to retire
How to weigh ROTH conversions and other long-term tax savings strategies to create a forward-thinking plan
Asset allocation &amp; enhanced diversification strategies in today’s climate
How to leverage your investments &amp; utilize alternatives to create higher income that consistently grows
The fundamentals of Social Security &amp; Estate Planning
 
 
Location: Babson College – Executive Conference Center
 
Session 1: Wednesday’s May 1st and 8th at 6:30 PM
Session 2: Tuesday’s May 7th and 14th at 6:30 PM
 
To register, please visit: <a href="https://rpt.rsvp.courses/Register/CourseInfo/RVAM0C~0-0-E?cn=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.rsvp.courses/RetirementNow</a>

Local Event: In the face of global uncertainty - is your retirement plan ready?

Wellesley

In the face of global uncertainty - is your...

Wednesday May 1, 2024:  
With a $34T deficit &amp; rising geopolitical tensions there is strong likelihood of two things: Increasing prices...

In the face of global uncertainty - is your retirement plan ready?

Spring is in the air! We are joining "Celebrate Weston" on May 18th with a Spring “Sell-abration” Barn Sale on the grounds of the museum.

Free tours of the museum will be available from 10:00 - 12:00 p.m.

We will begin the sale at 9:00 a.m. and wrap up at at 1:00 p.m. The sale will include Oriental rugs, small furnishings, jewelry, china, crystal, artwork and decorative and household items. All are offered at excellent prices.&nbsp;Cele

We have a history of excellence - for over 50 years! Join us to find treasures - all donated by the members of local communities!

If you would like to clear out unwanted items from your home, we are accepting donations of items shown above.

Contact the museum at <a href="mailto:gbtmuseum@gmail.com" target="_blank">gbtmuseum@gmail.com</a> or call 781-894-1751 and we can make arrangements for your donations.

Your generous donations and purchases support our education and preservation initiatives.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

<a href="https://www.goldenballtavern.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.goldenballtavern.org</a>

Local Event: Spring Barn Sale "Sell-A-bration" and Free Tours of the Museum for "Celebrate Weston" Day!

Spring Barn Sale "Sell-A-bration" and Free...

Saturday May 18, 2024: Spring is in the air! We are joining "Celebrate Weston" on May 18th with a Spring “Sell-abration” Barn Sale on the...

Spring Barn Sale "Sell-A-bration" and Free Tours of the Museum for "Celebrate Weston" Day!

Visit the Golden Ball Tavern Museum for our Open House Tours from 10 am. to 12&nbsp;pm. Saturday April 18th. Free and family friendly! Join us to learn more about colonial life and see what it was like to live in the 18th and 19th century first hand. We are at 662 Boston Post Rd., Weston, MA. Website: <a href="https://www.goldenballtavern.org/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.goldenballtavern.org</a>
Here history still lives and breathes, telling the story of change through time. Come and explore this unique Revolutionary era tavern and learn of spies who visited the tavern and played a pivotal role in the revolution, the Weston tea party, and the eventful visit of Paul Revere's men. You will also learn about six generations of the Jones family who lived in this house for 200 years. Our tour guides will lead tours through the house and tell stories of the Jones family, our revolutionary history and answer your questions about the museum.
The Golden Ball Tavern was established and operated by prominent Weston resident, Isaac Jones. Isaac was a Loyalist turned Patriot and faced a dilemma not unlike those we face today. The tavern "at the sign of the Golden Ball" operated as an inn from 1770 to 1793 and played a pivotal role in the unfolding of the Revolutionary War when it served as a base for British spies. The house and Tavern were later occupied and carefully preserved for 200 years by six generations of the Jones family. The Golden Ball Tavern is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is entirely self-sustaining.
Our Spring Barn Sale will be happening on the grounds of the museum from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.&nbsp; Come and find treasures at excellent prices and support the museum with your purchases.<a href="https://www.goldenballtavern.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>
<a href="https://www.goldenballtavern.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.goldenballtavern.org</a>

Local Event: Special Free Open House Tours during our Spring Barn Sale "Sell-A-Bration" -  10 am. to 12 pm. 

Special Free Open House Tours during our Spring...

Saturday May 18, 2024: Visit the Golden Ball Tavern Museum for our Open House Tours from 10 am. to 12&nbsp;pm. Saturday April 18th. Free and...

Special Free Open House Tours during our Spring Barn Sale "Sell-A-Bration" -  10 am. to 12 pm. 

First Parish of Sudbury

Sudbury Meetinghouse Concerts is excited to present the <a href="https://hankwonder.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hank Wonder Band</a>!
The Boston-based trio of Annie Bartlett (fiddle and viola), Darren Buck (vocals), and Michael Loria (guitar) craft a soulful blend of Americana that’s equal parts down-home and gussied up.
In 2017, they released their debut album Little Mysteries, produced by Charlie Rose (Mike &amp; Ruthie, Elephant Revival, Railroad Earth, Barnstar!). Two years later, the band returned to the studio with Zachariah Hickman (Josh Ritter, Rodney Crowell, Ray LaMontagne, Mark Erelli, Barnstar!) to record a follow-up. Initially stalled by the pandemic, Waylaid was released in 2021.
Hank Wonder proudly celebrated ten years together in November 2023, and is currently cooking up a new batch of tunes!
Free parking is available at First Parish and behind Sudbury Town Hall, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury.
For tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viewcy.com/checkout/the_hank_wonder_band?event=b4c95cec-1db7-4182-9242-af2935f12825&amp;ticketType=in-person" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.viewcy.com/checkout/the_hank_wonder_band?event=b4c95cec-1db7-4182-9242-af2935f12825&amp;ticketType=in-person</a>

Local Event: Hank Wonder Band

Sudbury

Hank Wonder Band

Sunday May 19, 2024: Sudbury Meetinghouse Concerts is excited to present the Hank Wonder Band!
The Boston-based trio of Annie Bartlett...

Middlesex County

Neal McNamara 

Boston Metropolitan Area

Wayland

Montana Samuels

Waltham

Norfolk County

MA Patch Team

Newton

Natick

Needham

Watertown

Belmont

Event on Thursday April 18, 2024 at 9:00pm

Event on Wednesday April 24, 2024 at 7:00pm

Across Massachusetts

20 Safest Cities In Massachusetts In 2024: Report

Is your city among the safest in Massachusetts? See the rankings.

Crime & Safety

Crimewave: Vehicle Thefts Up 16% In Massachusetts

Lock your car, take your keys, say your prayers: vehicle thefts are up 16 percent in MA, according to a new report.

North Andover

Man Wanted In Lawrence Nightclub Homicide: Police

State police said a man wanted in a fatal shooting in December should be considered armed and dangerous.

Man Wanted In Nightclub Killing Has Ties To 3 MA Cities: Police

'La Nada' To Influence Massachusetts Spring,...

It's not El Niño, and it's not La Niña. A change in Pacific Ocean temperatures may be coming soon, and that means different weather.

'La Nada' To Influence Massachusetts Spring, Summer Weather

What 'La Nada' Means For MA Spring, Summer Weather Patterns

Weather

How Much Does Hiring A Plumber Cost In Weston?

From leaky faucets to burst pipes, hiring a Thumbtack professional is the fast and easy way to handle all your plumbing needs.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

What to do in Weston, MA

Thursday, April 18

Featured Event

MA Wills and Trusts: Free 5-Day Email Course

Local Event

Join us for a Non-Alcoholic Beer Tasting with Woodland Farms Brewery of Kittery, Maine

Wednesday, April 24

Featured Event

Youth-Powered Climate Justice with Our Children's Trust

Saturday, April 27

Local Event

Roxbury Weston Preschool OPEN HOUSE 4/27 10:00-11:30

Tuesday, April 30

Local Event

The Entry Fee Model and What it Means to You

Wednesday, May 1

Featured Event

In the face of global uncertainty - is your retirement plan ready?

Saturday, May 18

Local Event

Spring Barn Sale "Sell-A-bration" and Free Tours of the Museum for "Celebrate Weston" Day!

Local Event

Special Free Open House Tours during our Spring Barn Sale "Sell-A-Bration" - 10 am. to 12 pm.

Sunday, May 19

Local Event

Hank Wonder Band

That’s all!

MA Wills and Trusts: Free 5-Day Email Course

Youth-Powered Climate Justice with Our Children's Trust

In the face of global uncertainty - is your retirement plan ready?