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What Steps Should I Take to Avoid Probate on the North Shore of Massachusetts?
Probate can be a lengthy and complicated process that involves court proceedings to settle an estate after someone’s death. The goal is often to skip this process to save both time and money. At Jordan & White LLC, we get it— you don’t want your family to go through unnecessary legal hassles during an already…
Read MoreHow Do I Include My Charitable Giving Wishes in My Estate Plan on the North Shore of Massachusetts?
Who says your impact has to end when you’re no longer here? Many of us think about leaving a legacy for our children and loved ones, but what about extending that legacy to causes and communities that have captured our hearts? At Jordan & White LLC, we believe that an estate plan can be more…
Read MoreEstate Planning Documents for High School Graduates in Massachusetts
Estate planning isn’t just for older individuals. Ideally, your child should start thinking about estate planning as soon as they turn 18. The first step to take is for high school graduates in Massachusetts to start obtaining these essential estate planning documents: Durable Financial Power of Attorney With a durable financial power of attorney, your…
Read MoreClear And Marketable Title: What is it and Why Does it Matter?
Every time someone in Massachusetts sells real estate, the paperwork usually specifies that they will provide good, clear, and marketable title to the buyer. It may sound like a bunch of meaningless legal jargon, but the words are in fact very important. Clear and marketable title signifies two important aspects of the ownership of the…
Read MoreHow to Leave Property to Adult Children
Many homeowners transfer ownership of their house to one or more of their adult children, or make a child a co-owner of the home. Is this a good idea? While the transfer can avoid some problems, it often creates others that may be even worse. To determine the best way to leave real estate to…
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About Irrevocable Trusts in MA
If you’ve considered creating a trust as part of your estate plan, you should learn more about irrevocable trusts in MA. Irrevocable trusts allow you to leave behind an inheritance that bypasses probate for your loved ones while offering asset protection during your lifetime. Read on to learn more about irrevocable trusts in Massachusetts. How…
Read MoreThe People Behind the Scenes in a Real Estate Transaction
The Appraiser, Credit Reporting Agency, Town Building Inspector, Surveyor, Title Examiner, Tax Collector, and more Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes during a real estate transaction? At Jordan & White, LLC, we’re here to make this complicated process less elusive for first-time home buyers, property sellers, or anyone else involved in…
Read MoreDeed Stamps in Massachusetts
Many first-time home sellers in Massachusetts are unaware they need to pay deed stamps, also known as excise tax, stamp tax, conveyance tax, or transfer tax. Besides the real estate commission, deed stamps are typically the largest expense when selling or transferring a property, so you want to budget for it well in advance. What…
Read MoreIf I Have a Trust, Do I Still Need a Will?
Since most people who create revocable trusts have established plans to avoid probate, they tend to assume they no longer need a will. In a perfect world, they wouldn’t. But we don’t live in a perfect world, so it is a good idea to have a “pour-over” will as a backup. I’ll explain why. Property…
Read MoreEstate Planning Tips for New Moms to Protect Their Child’s Future
Becoming a new mom is a joyous and exciting event. You’ve spent months designing the nursery, choosing books and toys, and picking out a name for your little one. But don’t forget that it’s equally as important to make plans for your child’s future. These estate planning tips cover wills, trusts, and other important documents…
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