Three Estate Planning Myths in Massachusetts

What Really Works—and What to Avoid—When Protecting Your Family and Legacy

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, wealth, and legacy, yet widespread myths make the process seem more confusing than it needs to be. Many people across Massachusetts communities believe that planning only matters after death, that trusts automatically safeguard assets, or that leaving someone $1 remains a valid strategy for disinheritance.

At Long Hagan Huff-Harris, we help clients understand how estate planning truly works—and why thoughtful, accurate planning is essential for preserving your wishes, protecting your loved ones, and securing your legacy.

Myth #1: “Estate Planning Only Matters After You’re Gone.”

The Truth: Estate Planning Protects You While You’re Alive, Too.

Many people mistakenly assume estate planning is exclusively about distributing assets after death. In fact, a well-designed plan plays an equally important role during your lifetime, especially if you ever become unable to make decisions due to illness or injury. 

Key lifetime planning tools include:

• Financial Power of Attorney
• Health Care Proxy (Medical Power of Attorney)
• Living Will (Advance Health Care Directive)
• HIPAA Authorization

These documents ensure that someone you trust can:

• Manage bills, accounts, and financial responsibilities
• Access medical information
• Make health-care decisions aligned with your wishes
• Avoid unnecessary court involvement
  
  

Without these protections, your loved ones may face delays, emotional strain, and legal hurdles during already stressful circumstances.

Estate planning is therefore not just “end-of-life” planning—it is essential for maintaining control and dignity throughout your life.

Myth #2: “A Trust Automatically Protects Your Assets.”

The Truth: A Trust Only Works If You Properly Fund It.

One of the most common misconceptions we see is the belief that simply creating a trust guarantees asset protection. In reality, a trust is like an empty container: it only works when you place assets inside it.

This process—known as funding the trust—typically requires transferring ownership of assets such as:

• Real estate
• Bank accounts
• Investment portfolios
• Business interests
• Certain personal property

If this step is skipped, the assets remain in your name, which can lead to:

• A probate proceeding your trust was meant to avoid
• Potential exposure to creditors
• Increased tax burdens
• Confusion for family members after death

We frequently meet individuals who have taken the important step of establishing a trust but never completed the funding process. Without funding, the trust provides no practical legal protection—a preventable issue with proper guidance. We work with our clients to make sure they know exactly how to fund their trusts the minute they walk out of our office. 

Myth #3: “Leaving Someone $1 Is an Effective Way to Disinherit Them.”

The Truth: This Outdated Strategy Usually Backfires.

People often believe that giving someone a symbolic $1 prevents them from challenging a will. Today, that approach can be ineffective and can create more problems than it solves.

By including someone in your will—even for a token amount—you may unintentionally give them rights such as:

• Access to confidential estate information
• Standing to challenge your estate plan
• The ability to slow down administration

A far better and legally stronger approach is to explicitly state your intention to leave that person nothing. Clear, modern language eliminates ambiguity and reduces the risk of conflict.

At Long Hagan Huff-Harris, we ensure your documents reflect your intentions in a way that is enforceable and consistent with Massachusetts law.

Why Clarity and Maintenance Matter in Estate Planning

Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” task. Life evolves, and your plan must evolve with it. Events that may require updates include:

• Marriage or divorce
• A child’s marriage (often requiring consideration of pre-nups or post-nups to protect family inheritances)
• Births or adoptions
• Changes in Massachusetts law
• Significant changes in finances
• The purchase or sale of major assets
• Shifts in personal relationships

A strong estate plan should:

• Reflect your current goals and values
• Clearly designate trusted decision-makers
• Ensure assets are titled correctly and trusts are properly funded
• Reduce the risk of confusion or disputes
• Protect inheritance from vulnerabilities

Professional Guidance Makes All the Difference 

Working with experienced estate-planning attorneys ensures that:

• Your documents are legally sound
• Your trust is properly funded
• Your wishes are clearly stated
• Your plan integrates with broader financial and family considerations
• You avoid outdated strategies that no longer reflect modern Massachusetts law
  
  

At Long Hagan Huff-Harris, we help you understand how your estate plan interacts with family dynamics, tax planning, and long-term goals—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Estate Planning Is an Ongoing Commitment to the People You Love

Your estate plan is more than a collection of documents—it is a living expression of your values, your intentions, and your desire to protect the people who matter most.

By debunking common myths, staying informed, and revisiting your plan as life changes, you ensure that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are supported when they need it most.

If you’re ready to review or update your estate plan, or if you want to make sure your trust and other documents are working as intended, our team at Long Hagan Huff-Harris is here to help.

Schedule a complementary consultation to ensure your estate plan is accurate, intentional, and built to last.