Protecting what Newbury families have built, and planned to pass on.

Many Newbury families have property that represents decades of investment, sometimes longer. A waterfront lot, a farmhouse that has been in the family since before Route 1 existed, or a home whose value has grown well past the original purchase. Without proper planning, these assets go through probate, become public record, and may trigger a Massachusetts estate tax bill that could have been avoided.

A revocable living trust holds the property, avoids probate entirely, and transfers cleanly to your heirs without court involvement. For larger estates, an irrevocable trust can reduce exposure to the Massachusetts estate tax, which applies to estates over $2 million. Getting the trust structure right depends on your specific assets, your family situation, and your goals for what comes next.

We also handle the family law matters that arise alongside estate planning: divorce where real property is at the center of the dispute, guardianship when a parent can no longer manage their own affairs, and adoption for families expanding in every direction.

Our office is about 20 minutes south on Route 1 in Topsfield. Video and evening consultations are available.

Where are family and probate cases for Newbury residents filed?

Newbury is in Essex County, so divorce, custody, guardianship, and probate matters are heard by the Essex Probate and Family Court, which sits in Salem (36 Federal Street) and Lawrence (Fenton Judicial Center, 2 Appleton Street). We prepare and file everything on your behalf, in the session appropriate for your case.

My parent owns property in Newbury that has been in the family for decades. How do we protect it as they age?

A combination of estate planning and, if needed, incapacity planning is usually the answer. A durable power of attorney lets a trusted family member manage finances if your parent can no longer do so. A revocable living trust can keep the property out of probate and make transfer to the next generation straightforward. If your parent's capacity is already diminishing, a conservatorship through the Essex Probate Court may be necessary to protect the asset. We can walk through all of these options at a single consultation.

Is a will enough, or do I need a trust?

For many Newbury families, a trust makes more sense than a will alone. A will must go through probate, which is a public court process that takes time and costs money. A revocable living trust avoids probate entirely, keeps your affairs private, and can hold real estate, accounts, and other assets in a way that transfers cleanly to your heirs. Massachusetts also has an estate tax on estates over $2 million, and the right trust structure can reduce that exposure significantly.