Massachusetts Law Firm Hosts Parent Estate Planning Seminar
What Happened
Samuel, Sayward & Baler LLC, a Massachusetts estate planning law firm, announced a free educational seminar titled "One Mom's Guide to Estate Planning: What Every Parent Should Know." Attorney Brittany Hinojosa Citron will lead the presentation on May 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at their Dedham office.
The seminar targets parents seeking guidance on estate planning fundamentals. The firm's announcement emphasizes three core topics: guardianship decisions, protecting children's inheritances, and preparing for unexpected life events across different family stages. The event requires advance registration and takes place at the firm's Washington Street location in Dedham.
This educational initiative reflects growing awareness among Massachusetts families about estate planning importance. The law firm positions the seminar as addressing practical concerns parents face when creating comprehensive estate plans that protect their children's futures.
What It Means
Massachusetts parents attending this seminar will learn about state-specific requirements that affect their estate planning decisions. For guardianship planning, parents must understand that Massachusetts courts require formal appointment procedures when both parents pass away. The state follows the Uniform Probate Code, which streamlines many estate administration processes but still requires proper documentation.
Protecting children's inheritances becomes particularly important given Massachusetts probate costs. The state charges a $390M.G.L. c. 262, § 40; M.G.L. c. 262, § 4CVerified Sep 8, 2026View source filing fee for probate proceedings, plus additional costs that typically range from 2.2%No specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%No specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate value in attorney fees. For families with modest estates, these costs can significantly reduce what children ultimately inherit. A properly funded trust avoids these expenses entirely by bypassing probate court.
The timing element proves crucial for Massachusetts families. The state requires executors to post a surety bond, though properly drafted wills can waive this requirement. Without estate planning documents, families face 9 months to 14 months of probate proceedings. During this period, assets remain frozen while courts determine guardianship and inheritance distribution. Parents who complete estate planning now prevent this uncertainty for their children.
Context from SimplyTrust
Parents exploring estate planning options can benefit from understanding the comprehensive protection available through modern trust planning. A revocable living trust addresses the three seminar topics simultaneously: it includes guardian nominations for minor children, protects inheritances through spendthrift clauses, and provides detailed instructions for unexpected scenarios. The estate planning process for new parents involves more than just naming guardians—it requires coordinating multiple legal documents to ensure complete family protection.
Massachusetts families can also explore interactive planning tools that help organize their estate planning priorities. The comprehensive estate planning guide provides step-by-step information about trust creation, guardian selection, and inheritance protection strategies that complement the educational content offered in live seminars.
Source: One Mom's Guide to Estate Planning: What Every Parent Should Know – Upcoming Seminar May 12th at 6PM
