Without a will or trust, Massachusetts law decides what happens to your property. That means it is almost certain that there will be unintended consequences for your loved ones. Those consequences can include giving away your assets to people you haven't spoken to in decades, court imposed delays, and wasted money on court costs and attorney's fees required to probate your estate. Failure to plan ahead can also result in your family getting hit with unexpected taxes.  

All of this can be avoided if you just take some simple steps to protect yourself and your family right now. 

Why You Need to Plan Now

- Avoid costly probate expenses and delays

- You decide who inherits your assets ... not the state   

-  Protect your family’s privacy

- Provide clarity and peace of mind for generations

- If you die without a will or trust, and you do not have children or other heirs, all of your assets will go to the state. That might not be what you would like to happen to everything you have worked for during your life. You can avoid that by simply taking control over what happens to your assets when you are no longer around.

Many people avoid making an estate plan because they are (understandably) intimidated to hire a lawyer. That is because lawyers often talk down to people, leaving them confused and annoyed. This, and the prospect of unknown and potentially exorbitant costs creates unnecessary stress and stops people from seeking the legal help they need. 

You Are Always in Control

Attorney Stallone understands that people want to make their own decisions on issues that will affect their family's future. 

All of the options and the reasons to select each option will be explained in plain English. This means you will be making all of the decisions, with Attorney Stallone's advice and clear, step-by-step guidance.

Besides a will or trust, you need a plan in case you become incapacitated and unable to handle your own business, medical, or legal affairs. 

Attorney Stallone will help you put in place the necessary documents to protect you and your family's future.

Estate planning is more affordable than you might think.  

Flat Fee-Affordable Pricing

You will be told the cost up-front in an initial FREE and no obligation consultation. Attorney Stallone's estate planning is done on an affordable and flat fee basis—so there are no hidden costs or unexpected surprises.

The Basics of Estate Planning 

The Will

  - Directs who inherits your property.

 - Allows you to name guardians for minor children.

 - Goes through probate (a public court process). 

The Trust

 - A trust is a different way of directing who inherits your property-it avoids probate, saving time and legal costs.

 - Allows you to name guardians and manage assets for minor children

 - Provides privacy for your family.

 - Can save on taxes, protect assets, and manage them over time.

Power of Attorney

 - Appoints someone you trust to handle finances and other affairs if you become unable to handle them on your own.

Health Care Proxy / Living Will

 - Provides guidance to your family and your medical providers about your wishes for medical care and intervention if you should become unable to direct your care yourself.

 - Empowers your chosen representative to receive (otherwise legally protected) medical information necessary to make decisions about your medical care while you are incapacitated.

 - Requires your medical providers to follow your wishes instead of imposing their own standards on you and your family.

 - Prevents family conflict during stressful times.

Myth: Estate planning is only for the wealthy.

Truth: If you own a home, a business, or have investments- you need a plan. This is especially true if you have children or a blended family.

Myth: A simple will is enough

Truth: Wills are required to go through probate court in a public process that can take a long time-leaving your family in limbo during the delay. A trust can reduce taxes, save time, attorney's fees and court costs. A trust will also protect your family's privacy.

Myth:  It’s too expensive.

Truth:  A basic estate plan costs less than most people think — and it can save thousands later.

Attorney Stallone is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and New York. She has been practicing for over three decades and has worked at three elite law firms. 

She was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Intellectual Property and is also a trained mediator. She is an experienced litigator, capable of handling complex litigation and appeals in both federal and state courts. 

Attorney Stallone's primary office is conveniently located in Northampton, MA. 

The feeling of security I'm enjoying now that Attorney Stallone has put my affairs in order is hard to put into words. It was such a relief to have someone explain my options and help me make some necessary decisions. I saw what happened to the wife of my friend, because he did not have a will or a power of attorney drafted. It made me realize that I needed to do something before it was too late.

I found Attorney Stallone to be exceptionally easy to work with. She has a way of communicating that  made the process painless (and it was surprisingly affordable too.)   - GS (Northampton, MA)

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Years ago, my husband and I had prepared estate documents. Our circumstances changed over time so we decided to update the plan. We had our attorney, Dianna Stallone, prepare updated estate documents for us. 

I was so happy that we each had a Power of Attorney and a Health Care Proxy drafted! Without these documents, I would not have been able to direct my husband's medical care to carry out his wishes, as he had often expressed them to me, especially regarding the DNR provision. 

I was also able to sell our second home in another state without having to go to court. My realtor told us that the court process could have delayed the sale for up to a year. My husband and I were completely satisfied with the work done for us by our attorney. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs help with their estate plans.- ES  (Springfield, MA)