For Boston Pack and Ship, It?s a Matter of Trusts (and Estates)

DATELINE:  BRAINTREE, MA… Boston Pack and Ship specializes in shipments of less than 1,000 pounds, parameters that can cover many of the things found in an estate—e.g. pianos, furniture, antiques, paintings and artwork, glass figures, etc. Part one of the service Boston Pack and Ship offers executors is pickup of items for delivery. Since they're locally based in Braintree, Mass., Boston Pack and Ship can go to the estate and safely and securely pack all the items for shipping onto their trucks.   "Many people lose sight that shipping an item to somebody across the country or even out of the country is a two-step process: getting it to the shipper and the shipper sending it out. By handling both ends of that process, we save executors a major headache and ensure the safe transport of the item to be delivered," said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship.   To safely ship such a wide range of items, Boston Pack and Ship builds customized packages and crates and employ foam-in-place technology to secure older, more delicate items. Tailoring these containers exactly to the dimensions of the shipment dramatically reduces the possibility of damage during shipping. ]]>   "You can get the proper amount of insurance monetarily but we've found the best insurance is the packing, especially for those personal, irreplaceable items," said Fell. "The same guys at Boston Pack and Ship who pick up the items from the estate are the ones creating the customized package for your shipment, so they understand the delicate nature of your shipment and that's not always the case with other shippers."  Boston Pack and Ship offers multiple U.S. shipping options including ground and air delivery to a terminal for pickup or inside delivery. International options include air or ocean with door-to-door or door-to-port delivery. Full-declared value is available on both domestic and international shipments. Pick-up of items to be packed and shipped for delivery is made by appointment.   For more information on the breadth of Boston Pack and Ship's services, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.   Small load specialistsFormerly known as The Packaging Store and now repackaged as Boston Pack and Ship, these small load specialists have been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.  Originally published here.Steve Dubin

The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate In Massachusetts: A Step-By-Step Plan to Protect Your Assets, Limit Your Taxes, and Ensure Your Wishes Are Fulfilled for Massachusetts Residents

Product DescriptionWhat happens to your estate after you are gone is very much within your control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after your death. For those people who wish to preserve their assets for designated purposes such as family or special charities it becomes necessary to make special advance preparations. To ensure your assets are protected and final wishes are carried out, there are some common actions that should be taken now. Proper estate planning allows you to plan for yourself and your loved ones without giving up control of your affairs. Your estate plan should also allow for the possibility of your own disability. It should detail what you own and whom you want to leave it to at a time of your choosing and the way you want. Your estate plan should include fully disclosed, controlled costs for you and your loved ones. The last thing you want to worry about is having your estate drained of value through taxes and legal costs. The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in Massachusetts will help you glide through this complicated process. This new book has been adapted to offer Ohio residents state-specific advice for estate planning. Author Linda C. Ashar, Attorney at Law, has crafted an estate planning primer, allowing Massachusetts residents to become more informed and more involved during the process. Many books on estate planning indicate you do not need the services of an attorney, but this book highly recommends using an attorney versed in this area: You should not go through the process alone. This book is intended explain the complicated issues, terminology, and planning strategies of estate planning so when you do meet with a qualified attorney, you will be well prepared. You will understand the legal terms and be ready to discuss issues and strategies with familiarity, saving you time and legal fees and ensuring peace of mind. Massachusetts -specific information is offered throughout this book, including: Massachusetts s probate code; Massachusetts rules, regulations, and laws specific to estate planning; elements of a valid Massachusetts will; planning your living will in Massachusetts; explanations of Massachusetts laws regarding durable health care power of attorneys, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and directives to withhold CPR. The book s easy-to-understand context clarifies this complicated and sensitive subject and gives readers the power to take control of their future. This book also offers an overview of abatement rules, settlement costs, guardianship and minor children, executors and trustees, life insurance, potential long-term care needs, marital deductions, types of trusts, gift splitting, survivorship deeds, 529 plans, reducing or eliminating estate taxes, avoiding tax on life insurance, using insurance to pay estate taxes, gift tax issues, generation skipping transfer tax, and tax-deferred accounts. Estate planning should be a positive experience. It involves reviewing your situation and planning for your future. Although few people want to think about the possibility of disability or disease, advance planning is also a way to show your love and to reduce potential distress later. Other books offer a non-state-specific overview of estate planning, causing many readers to be misinformed about rules and regulations particular to their state; but, this new book provides information Massachusetts residents need to know. Do not get outdated or wrong information that does not pertain to you specifically. Use this new book to craft an estate plan that is not only legally sound but also fully carries out your last wishes and protects your loved ones.The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate In Massachusetts: A Step-By-Step Plan to Protect Your Assets, Limit Your Taxes, and Ensure Your Wishes Are Fulfilled for Massachusetts Residents

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers presents a free seminar on ?Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times?

DATELINE:  BOSTON, MA…Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.Learn more about "Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times" at a seminar presented by Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers of Boston. Upcoming seminars will be held on Wednesday May 20, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Dover Town Library located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover, MA, and on Thursday May 21, 2009 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Wayland Library located at 5 Concord Road in Wayland, MA.  . The seminars are free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served. To reserve your place, please call (617) 218-2097 or email events@tbhr-law.com.The seminars will be presented by Perry Ganz, Esq. a partner with Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C of Boston. Attorney Ganz focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning and taxation and was named a Massachusetts Rising Star by Boston Magazine.  He is a frequent speaker on estate planning strategies and has written articles for various publications, as well as the chapter entitled "Making Charitable Contributions" in Drafting Estate Plans, a Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education publication. He has also been quoted in the Wall Street Journal on changes in the federal estate tax law. ]]> A variety of real life issues will be discussed, including common estate planning errors, asset protection strategies, estate tax reduction strategies, and avoiding probate. Plan on attending to learn more and to explore current estate planning issues and options.Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients. Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers' areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.Originally published here.Joe D'eramo