The top-rated estate planning attorneie in Peabody, Massachusetts is KONSTANTILAKIS LAW PC, rated 4.9 stars across 80 reviews. Other highly rated options include William D. Keefe, Esq., Vontzalides Law Offices - Nick Vontzalides, Estate Law and Elder Planning, Evans & Evans, Attorneys at Law. This directory lists 11 estate planning attorneies serving Peabody.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KONSTANTILAKIS LAW PC | 8 Essex Center Dr | (978) 826-5906 |
| 2 | William D. Keefe, Esq. | 47 Central St STE 9 | (978) 852-0914 |
| 3 | Vontzalides Law Offices - Nick Vontzalides, Estate Law and Elder Planning | 1 Essex Green Dr STE 2 | (978) 531-7009 |
| 4 | Evans & Evans, Attorneys at Law | 7 Essex Green Dr #5 | (978) 548-5174 |
| 5 | Coleman & MacDonald Law Office | 84 Newbury St Suite 102 | (781) 205-4735 |
| 6 | Arvanites Law Group | 7 Essex Green Dr STE 5 | (978) 777-5100 |
| 7 | Rossman & Rossman | 8 Essex Center Dr | (978) 717-5701 |
| 8 | MacLean Holloway Doherty & Sheehan, P.C. | 8 Essex Center Dr # 9 | (978) 774-7123 |
| 9 | Barrett Kornitsky LLP | 1 Essex Green Dr # 4 | (978) 532-0795 |
| 10 | Goldberg Russell | 5 Essex Green Dr | (978) 664-1649 |
KONSTANTILAKIS LAW PC serves clients in Essex County and surrounding areas of Massachusetts from its Peabody office. The firm focuses on estate planning, including the preparation of wills and trusts to manage asset distribution. It also handles healthcare proxies and powers of attorney to address future medical and financial decisions. Additionally, the practice assists with probate and elder law matters such as MassHealth planning.
William D. Keefe, Esq. in Peabody, MA provides a range of estate planning services including will drafting, trust administration, and probate assistance. The firm also offers powers of attorney and health care directives as part of its foundational planning options. Clients can establish ongoing arrangements for asset management and the periodic review of their documents. This practice primarily services single-family homes, multi-unit apartments, commercial retail spaces, and local restaurants in the greater Peabody area.
Vontzalides Law Offices serves clients in Peabody, Massachusetts, and the surrounding North Shore communities. The firm handles estate planning matters including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. It also addresses elder law issues such as Medicaid planning and long-term care arrangements. For a typical estate planning job, the attorney first conducts a detailed review of the client’s assets and family circumstances, then drafts documents that align with the client’s specific directives and legal requirements.
Evans & Evans, Attorneys at Law serves homeowners and local families in Peabody, Massachusetts, with estate planning services. The firm assists clients in creating wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to manage their assets and healthcare directives. They also guide individuals through probate matters following a loved one’s passing. Planning documents are prepared to reflect each client's specific wishes and family circumstances. The attorneys additionally serve residents in Salem and the surrounding North Shore communities.
Coleman & MacDonald Law Office in Peabody, MA offers both one-time estate planning services, such as will preparation and power of attorney documents, and recurring services, including trust administration and beneficiary updates, for clients across Massachusetts. Their practice covers the essential legal needs of creating and managing an estate plan. Services are provided on both a one-time and as-needed basis, depending on the client's request.
Arvanites Law Group in Peabody, MA focuses on drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney as its primary specialty. It further assists clients with the general tasks of probate administration and asset transfer planning. The firm helps individuals prepare documents that meet Massachusetts legal requirements. As families prepare for the upcoming tax season, the office also advises on the estate tax implications of annual financial gifts.
As the leaves turn in Peabody, many families begin to think about how to protect their property for the next generation. Rossman & Rossman provides local estate planning services to help residents organize their assets and outline their healthcare preferences. The firm works with clients to create wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that meet individual goals. An initial assessment is offered to review each person’s current documents and identify what might need updating for the year ahead.
At a residential estate planning consultation, MacLean Holloway Doherty & Sheehan, P.C. assists individuals with wills and trusts while also covering commercial matters such as business succession planning for owners across Peabody, MA. The firm drafts powers of attorney and healthcare directives for families and entrepreneurs throughout the greater area. Clients typically return for periodic document reviews after a major life event or when state laws change, scheduling follow-up sessions between regular annual visits.
Barrett Kornitsky LLP serves clients in Peabody, Massachusetts, as an Estate Planning Attorney. The firm handles the preparation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to help individuals plan for future asset distribution and healthcare decisions. It also specializes in probate administration and strategies to minimize estate taxes. Its services are available to private individuals as well as local businesses, including professional offices, warehouses, and food service operations.
What Does an a Estate Planning Attorney in Peabody Cost?
Typical costs for estate planning in Massachusetts vary by the complexity of your situation. A basic will package, including a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare proxy, generally costs between $300 and $1,000. Revocable living trust packages, which include trust documents, a pour-over will, and all supporting powers of attorney, typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. For estates requiring advanced tax planning, business succession, or special needs trusts, attorneys may charge hourly rates of $250 to $500, with total fees reaching $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Many attorneys offer flat fee arrangements for standard plans and may provide payment plans for larger projects.
This information is general and not legal advice. You should consult with a qualified estate planning attorney in Massachusetts to discuss your specific circumstances and obtain accurate cost estimates for your situation.
About estate planning attorneies in Peabody
Estate planning in Peabody, Massachusetts involves creating a comprehensive strategy to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensure their orderly distribution after your death. The core documents include wills, which direct the distribution of probate assets; revocable living trusts, which allow you to maintain control of assets while avoiding probate; and irrevocable trusts, which can provide asset protection and Medicaid planning benefits. Powers of attorney designate someone to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, while healthcare directives, including living wills and healthcare proxies, specify your medical wishes and appoint a decision-maker. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts override your will, so coordinating these with your overall plan is essential.
Massachusetts has specific laws that significantly impact estate planning. The probate process in the state typically takes 9 to 18 months for an uncontested estate, though simpler estates may close in 6 months. Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $2 million in 2025, with rates starting at 0.8% and climbing to 16% for larger estates; the federal estate tax exemption is much higher at $13.61 million per individual in 2025. If you die without a will, Massachusetts intestate succession laws dictate that your spouse receives the first $200,000 plus half of the remaining estate, with your children receiving the other half. Massachusetts is not a community property state, meaning assets acquired during marriage are generally owned by the individual who holds title. Transfer on death deeds are not available in Massachusetts, so real estate typically must pass through probate or a properly funded trust.
You should consider estate planning at several key life milestones. When you marry, you may want to update beneficiary designations and create or revise a will to reflect your new spouse. Having children makes naming guardians in your will critical, as Massachusetts courts will otherwise decide who raises your minor children. Purchasing a home in Peabody means ensuring the property passes efficiently, often through a trust to avoid probate. Starting a business requires succession planning to protect your enterprise and your family. As you approach retirement, reviewing your estate plan becomes important to address potential long-term care costs and tax implications. If you accumulate significant assets, you may need strategies like irrevocable life insurance trusts or charitable trusts to minimize estate taxes. Blended families require careful planning to balance providing for a current spouse and children from previous relationships.
The key documents in an estate plan each serve distinct purposes. A last will and testament names an executor to manage your estate, distributes probate assets, and appoints guardians for minor children; it must be signed by two witnesses in Massachusetts to be valid. A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle your financial matters, such as paying bills or managing investments, if you become incapacitated; it remains effective even if you lose mental capacity. A medical power of attorney, also called a healthcare proxy in Massachusetts, designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. A living will, known as a healthcare directive, documents your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. Trust documents, including the trust agreement itself and a schedule of assets, create a legal entity to hold your property; you must transfer assets into the trust for it to function.
Costs for estate planning in Peabody vary based on complexity and the attorney's experience. A basic will package, including a simple will, healthcare proxy, and durable power of attorney, typically costs between $300 and $1,000. A revocable living trust package, which includes the trust document, a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, generally ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. For complex estates involving business interests, multiple properties, or significant tax planning, attorneys may charge hourly rates of $250 to $500 per hour, with total costs reaching $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Factors affecting pricing include the number of assets, the need for tax strategies, and whether you are planning for special needs beneficiaries or blended family situations.
Common mistakes in estate planning can undermine your intentions and create problems for your loved ones. Dying intestate, or without a will, means Massachusetts law determines who inherits your assets, which may not align with your wishes and can cause family conflict. Outdated beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies can direct assets to an ex-spouse or a deceased person, bypassing your current plan entirely. Not funding a trust is a frequent error; creating a revocable living trust but failing to transfer assets into it means those assets will still go through probate. Do-it-yourself wills from online services often fail in Massachusetts because they do not meet state witnessing requirements or address specific legal nuances, leading to expensive court challenges. Failing to plan for incapacity by not having powers of attorney in place means a court may need to appoint a guardian or conservator, a costly and public process that can take months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific Massachusetts laws that affect estate planning for Peabody residents?
Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $2 million in 2025, with rates from 0.8% to 16%, and the state does not recognize transfer on death deeds for real estate. Probate typically takes 9 to 18 months, and intestate succession gives your spouse the first $200,000 plus half of the remaining estate. Massachusetts also requires two witnesses for a valid will and does not allow self-proving affidavits, meaning witnesses may need to testify in court.
How much does an estate planning attorney typically charge in Peabody, Massachusetts?
A basic will package with powers of attorney and healthcare directives costs $300 to $1,000, while a revocable living trust package ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. Complex estates involving tax planning or business succession may cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more, with hourly rates of $250 to $500. Many attorneys offer flat fees for standard packages and payment plans for larger projects.
What is the probate process timeline and procedure for an estate in Massachusetts?
Probate in Massachusetts begins with filing a petition in the Probate and Family Court in the county where the deceased lived, typically Essex County for Peabody residents. An uncontested estate generally takes 9 to 18 months, though simpler estates may close in 6 months if all heirs agree and no debts are disputed. The process includes appointing a personal representative, publishing a notice to creditors, inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to heirs.