The Spruce Plan is designed for individuals and families who want to create a more sophisticated estate plan that addresses not only what happens to their assets, but also how their loved ones will be cared for and supported in the future. It is often a good fit for families whose estates may be subject to Massachusetts estate tax, as well as those who want greater control, flexibility, and protection for future generations.

Many Spruce Plan clients are focused on creating lasting protections for their loved ones. They may have concerns about protecting inheritances from future creditors, divorce, or poor financial decisions, want to incorporate charitable giving into their legacy, or seek additional safeguards for blended family situations and remarriage. They value privacy, thoughtful planning, and the confidence that comes from having a clear framework in place for both incapacity and wealth transfer.

The Spruce Plan brings together estate tax planning, disability planning, and long-term inheritance planning in a coordinated strategy designed around your family’s goals. For married couples, the plan may include techniques designed to reduce Massachusetts estate taxes, helping preserve more wealth for loved ones.

The plan also allows you to create tailored trust provisions that determine not only who inherits, but when and under what circumstances. These provisions can help protect inheritances while providing ongoing support for beneficiaries in a way that reflects your values and intentions.

In addition, the Spruce Plan includes enhanced disability planning that allows trusted individuals to step in and manage financial and personal affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. The result is a comprehensive plan that provides greater clarity, flexibility, and protection during life’s transitions.

By reducing reliance on probate, maintaining privacy, and creating a framework for future generations, the Spruce Plan helps ensure that the legacy you leave behind reflects the life you’ve built.

• Revocable Living Trust
• Certification of Trust
• Pour Over Will
• Living Will
• HIPAA Authorization
• Health Care Proxy
• Power of Attorney
• Personal Property Memorandum
• Remarriage Protections (if applicable)
• Federal & MA Estate Tax Planning for Surviving Spouse (if applicable)
• Customized Ongoing Protective Trusts for Beneficiaries
• Letter of Instructions to the Guardians & Trustees of Minor Children (if applicable)
• Temporary Guardian Appointment for Minor Children (if applicable)
• Common (Single) Trust Provisions for Minor Children (if applicable)
• Basic Funding Instructions
• Detailed Asset Table
• Recommendations for Beneficiary Designations for Retirement Accounts
• Specific Funding Recommendations for all disclosed assets on Asset Table
• Letters to Update Homeowners Insurance (if applicable)
• (1) Deed, Homestead, & Trustee’s Certificate
• Written Opinion of Incapacity and Restoration
• Basic Disability Trust Provisions
• Customized Disability Provisions through a Disability Panel
• Letter of Instructions to Health Care Agents & Trustees
• Instructions for Successor Trustee
• Location List and Binder
• Guidance on Achieving your Philanthropic Goals (if applicable)