Estate Planning

Estate Planning Lawyers in Nashua

Providing Well-Informed Advice & Effective Legal Services

Many individuals and families throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts put off estate planning until it is too late. If you become incapacitated or something unexpected happens, do you know what will become of your assets? Will they go to intended loved ones?

Estate planning allows people to take the burden off of loved ones by simplifying the transfer of assets from one generation to the next and reducing any associated legal costs. It may even minimize estate taxes. As anyone familiar with the probate process can attest, an effective estate plan is a true gift to loved ones.

Call Bernazzani Law today at (603) 261-2214 to schedule a free consultation with our estate planning attorneys in Nashua.

Our Lawyers Can Help You Think Through All Important Decisions

Many people put off the estate planning process because they are intimidated or have preconceived notions. While the process can be complex and fact-specific, experienced counsel can help you tailor an effective estate plan to your specific financial circumstances, goals, and needs.

At Bernazzani Law, our estate planning attorneys in Nashua work directly with clients to understand your unique situation. Our hands-on, personalized approach to legal services serves as a hallmark of our method of care. We are sensitive to the needs of every client and fuse comprehensive knowledge with compassion and empathy.

Helping Clients with Their Estate Planning Needs for 25+ Years

Our attorneys are well-versed in this area of law, and we have what it takes to help you achieve your goals.

We can assist you with the following, and more:

Crafting a last will and testament. A will is an incredibly important and useful estate planning tool. A will can define guardianship of a minor-aged child, designate charities or people who will receive gifts, and account for other asset/property distribution specifications. We can work directly with you and draft a will and other supplemental documentation to account for your specific circumstances, needs, and goals.
Drafting a trust. Trusts are among the most important and effective estate planning tools. A trust can be used to protect assets, maximize privacy, and, when properly drafted, minimize taxes. A trust can also be customized to meet the specific needs of you and your family with regard to transferring assets and funds to a spouse, child, or other designated party.
Going through probate. In the event of death without a trust, courts in New Hampshire and Massachusetts will oversee the administration of an estate in the probate process. In addition to the transfer of assets, this can include paying beneficiaries and creditors. If a will exists, it has to be proved valid, and a personal representative can oversee the remainder of the affairs. This includes heir notification, tracing/finding assets, submitting an inventory list, paying debts, submitting accounting, and, finally, distributing the estate.
Creating an advance directive. There may come a point in life where you or a loved one is not able to communicate personal wishes related to medical care. In these cases, having an advance directive as part of an estate plan can provide clarity for doctors and family members. During stressful health events and emergencies, advance directives offer loved ones peace of mind. These components of an estate plan allow someone to designate a family member or another person to make medical decisions on their behalf in the event that they are incapacitated, including instructions regarding life-saving measures, life-prolonging measures, and an individual's choice to be an organ and/or tissue donor.
Medicaid planning. The Medicaid application is an extensive process where five years' worth of documentation must be provided in order to receive benefits. Additionally, with the Medicaid application process, if you are not qualified for Medicaid and you apply, you could disqualify yourself for a longer penalty period that could have been avoided. As such, it is always important to be sure that you consult with an attorney prior to application. Unfortunately, some people will apply without knowing the detailed rules and disqualify themselves. Had they made one or two small changes, they would have qualified. Often, this simply means recategorizing an asset or two. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the disqualification, the length of time varies. It may mean simply redoing paperwork or years of disqualification.

It Is Never Too Early To Start Planning. Call Us Today.

Bernazzani Law offers free consultations. For more information, or to discuss your situation and options with an estate planning attorney in Nashua, call (603) 261-2214 or contact us online.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the process for amending a will?

Amending a will involves creating a legal document known as a codicil, which outlines the changes you wish to make. This document must be signed and witnessed according to New Hampshire law to ensure its validity. It's important to clearly specify the amendments, whether they involve changing beneficiaries, altering asset distribution, or updating guardianship provisions.

How can estate planning help reduce taxes in New Hampshire?

Estate planning can significantly reduce taxes in New Hampshire by utilizing various strategies such as establishing trusts, gifting assets during your lifetime, and taking advantage of tax exemptions. By carefully structuring your estate plan, you can minimize estate taxes and ensure that more of your assets are passed on to your loved ones.

What should I include in my estate plan to protect my family?

To protect your family through your estate plan, you should include essential documents such as a last will and testament, which outlines how your assets will be distributed, and an advance directive, which specifies your medical care preferences. Additionally, consider establishing a trust to manage your assets and provide for your loved ones in a tax-efficient manner. It's also crucial to designate guardians for minor children and ensure that all documents are regularly updated to reflect any changes in your circumstances.

What are the benefits of working with an estate planning attorney in Nashua?

Working with an estate planning attorney in Nashua offers numerous benefits, including personalized guidance tailored to your unique financial situation and goals. An attorney can help you navigate complex legal requirements, ensuring that your documents are valid and enforceable. They can also provide insights into strategies that minimize taxes and protect your assets. With their support, you can create a comprehensive estate plan that not only addresses your current needs but also adapts to future changes in your life, providing long-term security for you and your family.

Contact Bernazzani Law Today

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Client Testimonials

"They made our process smooth and easy."

Xiorli Bernazzani and her firm were a pleasure to work with. They made our process smooth and easy. Thank you Xiorli and all of the staff at your firm!!!!

- Denise J.
"Great law firm and Attorney Naro is excellent counsel."

Great law firm and Attorney Naro is excellent counsel. He is definitely very attentive to his clients. Thank you!!

- Marilyn R.
"He’s very knowledgeable about every aspect of the law and always goes above and beyond."

Attorney Tony Naro is absolutely incredible. Not only is he a nice guy, but he’s honest and fair. He gives you realistic expectations. He genuinely cares about his clients and not just getting paid. He’s very knowledgeable about every aspect of the law and always goes above and beyond. He’s just the best out there!

- Britney G.
"If you need a law firm and an attorney, this is the man you need to contact."

Tony Naro from Bernazzani Law is by far the best attorney I have worked with for my divorce case. He is well educated, easy to work with, knowledgeable, prompt, and most of all a super nice man. If you need a law firm and an attorney, this is the man you need to contact. The whole firm as well are very good to work with. I will use him again if I ever need it. Thank you so much Tony Naro for your service as well as the whole firm.

- Darren R.

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What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

Bernazzani Law is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

Reasonability
Some attorneys portray themselves as bulldogs. However, being overly aggressive is not always effective. When a fight is necessary, we fight. But when it is clear that a negotiated or mediated solution can yield better results — and the client wants this — we do not hesitate to follow the more fruitful path.
Advocacy
This is another way of saying "we've got your back." Retain our firm, and we will advocate for you in the strongest possible manner. We are dedicated to helping you and your family.
Flexibility
Our training and experience as mediators, negotiators and litigators give us a full suite of options to bring to your legal problem. Whether a court fight or a mutually agreeable solution is in your best interest, we are flexible enough to serve you. We make ourselves available by email, phone and through our helpful and competent staff.
Empathy
We listen to our clients, and we relate to their problems — always providing clients, and their concerns, the time and attention required. We believe that understanding our clients is vital to helping them resolve those problems.