Our Services
Estate Planning
Estate planning isn’t just about documents, it’s about keeping your family out of court and out of conflict. Too many “plans” fail because they’re cookie-cutter templates that don’t reflect your real life, leaving families with probate headaches and lost assets. True planning protects not only what you own, but also the people you love, ensuring clarity, connection, and peace of mind.
Will
A Will lets you decide who gets your things, name guardians for your kids, and appoint an executor but it only works after you die. The catch? Wills go through Probate Court, which means delays, high costs, and zero privacy. For families in Sudbury and nearby towns who own property, a Revocable Living Trust is often the smarter choice because it avoids probate and keeps things private.
Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) lets you choose someone you trust to handle your financial, legal, or medical decisions if you can’t. Unlike a regular power of attorney, it stays in effect even if you become incapacitated, sparing your family from going through a costly and stressful court process to appoint a guardian. Whether it’s paying bills, managing investments, or making healthcare choices, a DPOA ensures your wishes are honored and your life stays on track even when you’re not the one calling the shots.
Probate
Probate is the court process that transfers a loved one’s assets after death and while it’s meant to prevent fraud, it often creates stress, delays, and confusion for families. In Massachusetts, probate can sometimes be avoided or streamlined, but when it’s required, having the right guidance makes all the difference. At 20West Legal, we walk families through every step with clarity and compassion, so the process is manageable, not overwhelming.
Kids Protection Plan
One in 20 children will lose a parent before turning 15, and without proper planning, a judge or even child protective services could decide who raises them. Too often, parents make simple but costly mistakes when naming guardians, like relying only on a will, forgetting backups, or leaving short-term care unaddressed. The result isn’t just legal chaos, it’s uncertainty and stress for the very kids you’re trying to protect.
Living Trust
A Living Trust, or Revocable Living Trust, lets you keep control of your assets while alive and ensure they transfer smoothly to your loved ones without the time, cost, or drama of probate. Unlike a Will, which can drag your family through court for over a year and expose everything to the public, a Living Trust keeps things private, efficient, and exactly as you intended. In Massachusetts, where probate is notoriously slow and expensive, a Living Trust is often the smarter choice for families who want peace of mind, protection, and control.
Health Care Directive
An Advance Directive lets you choose someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you can’t, and document your wishes for medical care, life support, and organ donation. Without it, your loved ones may face stress, conflict, or even court just to figure out what you would have wanted. By planning ahead, you take the guesswork out of critical moments and give your family the gift of clarity and peace of mind.
