Estate Planning Services
We provide comprehensive legal counsel to help organize your affairs and document your wishes. Our services focus on coordinating all aspects of your estate, including asset ownership and beneficiary reviews, to create a smooth transition for those you care about most.
Planning for Incapacity
Prepare for the future by establishing durable powers of attorney and Massachusetts health care proxies early. These vital documents name trusted individuals to manage your finances and medical care if you become unable to do so personally.
Probate and Estate Administration
We assist personal representatives with the requirements of Massachusetts probate. From initial court filings and asset management to settling debts and final distribution, we provide practical guidance to move the process forward respectfully and efficiently.
When to Review Your Estate Plan
- Changes in family structure, such as birth, marriage, or divorce. Significant changes in financial circumstances or asset ownership. A recent diagnosis of a progressive illness like Alzheimer's. Documents that haven't been reviewed in several years. Moving to Massachusetts from out of state.
Estate Planning and Probate Guidance for Massachusetts Families
Thoughtful estate planning can help you support your family, document your wishes, and provide clear authority for financial or health care decisions. Attorney Christopher T. Riley works directly with individuals and families to develop practical plans suited to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule an Estate Planning Consultation
Attorney Christopher T. Riley works directly with Massachusetts individuals and families to develop practical plans suited to their circumstances.
Please do not submit confidential or time-sensitive information through this website. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Does a dementia diagnosis automatically prevent someone from signing legal documents?
No. Capacity is a legal standard, not a medical one. Many individuals in the early stages of dementia retain the capacity to understand and sign important documents for their future care.
What happens if there is no power of attorney?
Without a valid power of attorney, family members may be required to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship to obtain the legal authority needed to manage your affairs.
What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator?
Generally, a guardian makes decisions about a person's physical care and medical treatment, while a conservator is appointed to manage their financial assets and property.
Can existing estate-planning documents be reviewed?
Yes. Providing you still have capacity, existing documents can be updated to reflect current family needs, modern legal requirements, and changes in your personal health status.
When may court involvement be necessary?
Court involvement typically becomes necessary for the probate process, formal guardianship or conservatorship appointments, or when serious disputes arise regarding care or finances.
(978) 664-4587
chris@crileylaw.com
Office: 8 Patley Road, North Reading, Massachusetts 01864
Wills and Trusts
From wills to revocable trusts where appropriate, we help you determine the right structure to manage your property and provide for minor children. A well-crafted plan can help carry out your wishes while minimizing unnecessary legal delays.
Planning for Families Facing Dementia or Alzheimer’s
A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease does not by itself determine legal capacity. Capacity depends on the individual circumstances and the particular decision or document involved. Reviewing existing documents and available planning options early may preserve choices and reduce uncertainty for the family.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
When court involvement is necessary to protect a loved one, we help families navigate guardianship for personal care decisions and conservatorship for financial management. We handle petitions, represent your interests in court, and assist with reporting obligations.