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Estate Planning — Wills & Trusts
Why Estate Planning Matters
• Puts your wishes in writing and avoids court uncertainty.
• Helps minimize taxes and administrative costs where possible.
• Protects beneficiaries with age-appropriate or needs-based controls.
• Coordinates assets, titles, and beneficiary designations with your plan.
Who We Help
Young families • Homeowners • Business owners • Retirees • Blended families • Special-needs caregivers • High-asset households
Wills, Trusts & Core Documents
Last Will & Testament
Name executors and guardians; direct gifts; coordinate with your trust for seamless administration.
Revocable Living Trusts
Avoid probate, keep control during life, and set clear, private instructions for distribution and management.
Powers & Healthcare Docs
Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy/Directive, HIPAA release—so the right people can act when needed.
Beneficiary Coordination
Align life insurance, retirement accounts, and TOD/POD designations with your will/trust to avoid conflicts.
Specialized Trusts
Special Needs Trusts, spendthrift protections, marital/credit-shelter, life insurance trusts, and more—where appropriate.
Tax-Aware Planning
Coordinate with your CPA and advisor on portability, basis, and state/federal considerations tailored to your situation.
A Clear, Practical Process
1) Discovery
We map goals, family dynamics, assets, and decision-makers; identify risks and opportunities up front.
2) Design & Draft
We tailor wills, trusts, and powers to your needs; coordinate titling and beneficiary updates.
3) Sign & Maintain
Proper execution and funding guidance; periodic reviews for life events, new assets, or rule changes.
Serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts & Florida
Your plan must reflect state-specific rules and practical realities. The firm regularly coordinates multi-state considerations for clients with property, businesses, or family ties across RI, MA, and FL.
What Clients Appreciate
• Plain-English explanations
• Coordination with tax/financial advisors
• Practical asset-titling guidance
• Responsive, compassionate service
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will if I have a trust?
Usually yes. A “pour-over” will captures any assets not titled to your trust so they follow your plan.
Will a revocable trust avoid probate?
Properly funded revocable trusts generally avoid probate for assets titled in the trust’s name.
What about young children?
You can nominate guardians in your will and use a trust to manage assets for minors until appropriate ages.
How often should I update my plan?
Review after major life events (marriage, birth, move, inheritance) and at least every 3–5 years.
Put a Solid Plan in Place
Let’s build a will-and-trust plan that reflects your values—and actually works when your family needs it.
The Law Office of Thomas H. McHugh, Jr.
536 Atwells Avenue, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02909
Licensed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts & Florida
Informational only; not legal advice. No attorney–client relationship is formed by viewing this page.
