Will gifts 14,000. to each of my grandchildren (140,000) affect my estate tax exclusions.( IRS 5,400,000. MA state 1,000,000).

Giving these amounts to your grandchildren in your will does not reduce your potential estate tax liability. Gifting during your lifetime,...

I filled out my bank's beneficiary paperwork so my son will get cash accounts when I die. Can that be challenged like wills can?

Yes, beneficiary designations or payable on death designations can be challenged. Proper designations will avoid probate but could cause problems...

Can a beneficiary under laws of succession in Massachusetts refuse a portion of bequest but not all

Yes, you can disclaim any a portion of the inheritance. Both state and federal laws list a number of requirements in order to make the disclaimer...

On the 2nd to die of my spouse and I (no kids), what are the downsides to imposing a 1 yr survivorship req't on all of our bens?

There are methods available to accomplish your primary goal, which, if I am correct, seems to be to protect any possible inheritance for your blood...

What are the requirements to make a legal Living Trust in Ma.?

There are not that many requirements to create a trust, however, you need to be careful. The hard part is making sure the trust document properly...

IS it difficult to have the courts enforce a "no contest" clause in a will.

No contest provisions are valid in Massachusetts, however, court enforcement can be vary depending on the wording of the clause the fact as well as...

In addition to the above answer, you need to keep in mind that a Will only disposes of assets that a person holds solely in their name. If assets...

If a lawyer is hired for estate purposes, whose responsibility is it to file the estate tax, the lawyer or executor.?

Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Executor/Personal Representative to file the estate tax return. Payment of any tax owed is due 9 months...

What are the trusts I should consider when processing my estate planning

There are a number of issues you will need to consider when trying to avoid or minimize estate taxes. Among these are the value of all assets that...

I agree with the previous answer. Unfortunately, this is an all too common problem. In these situations, I would file a petition with the local...