Cote Law Group, PLLC

Avoiding Will Contests: Protect Your Family and Your Legacy Will contests can tear families apart, delay distributions, and drain resources. With the right planning, these disputes are largely avoidable. In my latest video, I dive into the common reasons wills are contested, like lack of capacity, undue influence, improper execution, and even fraud or forgery. More importantly, I share practical tips to ensure your will reflects your true intentions and stands up in court. Whether you’re questioning the validity of a loved one’s will or want to prevent future disputes, this video has the insights you need. Have questions? Let’s talk about how to protect your family and honor your wishes. Call (781) 761-2148 or visit cote-law.com.

Is Your Will Valid? A will is only as strong as the legal foundation it’s built upon. Here are a few common issues that could invalidate yours: 📜 Improper signing formalities—like missing witness signatures. ✍️ Handwritten changes after signing can create confusion. ❌ Defacing your will might unintentionally revoke it. 💔 Forgetting to update your will after a divorce can lead to unintended consequences. Your estate plan deserves a professional touch to ensure your wishes are honored. Don’t let a simple oversight jeopardize your legacy—reach out today for a review of your will.

Story from my Practice: Mother's House in Limbo Imagine losing the home you grew up in—the place where all your memories of your late parent live—because there wasn’t a plan in place. That’s the heartbreaking reality a family I spoke with is facing. Their mother passed away unexpectedly, leaving four children behind. The oldest three are adults, but the youngest, who has a different father, is under 15. The siblings live in their mother’s house, holding onto it as a way to stay connected to her. But because she didn’t have a will, trust, or named beneficiaries, the house and her other assets are tied up in probate. To complicate matters, the youngest sibling’s father could intervene and potentially force the sale of the home. The siblings have decided to wait until the youngest turns 18 to start probate, but that means years of uncertainty and no access to their mother’s assets. This could have all been avoided with even basic estate planning. A will could have directed what happens to the house. A trust could have protected the home and ensured her assets were managed according to her wishes. Young parents, especially those with children from different relationships, need to think ahead. Life is unpredictable, but a solid estate plan can create certainty for the people you love most. If you’ve been putting off estate planning, let’s talk. Your family’s future is worth protecting.

Understanding Liquor Licenses in Massachusetts Are you planning to open a restaurant, bar, or another business that serves alcohol? Navigating Massachusetts’ liquor licensing process can be complex, with different types of licenses depending on your business model and needs. From on-premises licenses for restaurants and bars to seasonal licenses for tourist areas, each license serves a unique purpose and comes with specific requirements. Did you know there are even special licenses for caterers, farmers, and one-day events? Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding your services, getting the right license is critical to your success. Mistakes in the application or compliance process can lead to delays, fines, or worse. As an experienced attorney, I can guide you through the liquor licensing process, ensuring you meet all local, state, and federal requirements. Let’s make the process seamless so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. Curious about which license fits your needs? Reach out to Cote Law Group today!

Your Relationship with Your Commercial Real Estate Attorney Doesn’t End at Closing Closing a commercial real estate deal is just the beginning of building a secure, successful investment. Here are 5 reasons why your attorney’s role doesn’t stop at the closing table: 1️⃣ Lease Review and Negotiation: Ensure your lease terms protect your interests and avoid hidden pitfalls. 2️⃣ Dispute Resolution: From tenant conflicts to title issues, we’re here to help resolve problems efficiently. 3️⃣ Zoning and Land Use Guidance: Navigating local regulations can be tricky—let us help you stay compliant. 4️⃣ Contract Support: Whether it’s vendor agreements or property management contracts, strong legal oversight is key. 5️⃣ Legacy Planning and Risk Mitigation: Align your property with your long-term goals and protect your investment for the future. A skilled attorney adds value long after the ink dries on your closing documents. Let’s work together to ensure your investments remain secure and set you up for long-term success. Swipe through the carousel to learn more about how we can help you after your purchase! #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateLaw #BusinessLaw #LegacyPlanning

The Perfect Partnership: Financial Advisors and Estate Planning Attorneys Estate planning and financial planning are two sides of the same coin. Together, they create a strong foundation for your clients’ financial futures. As a financial advisor, you’re already helping clients grow and protect their wealth. But what happens if they don’t have a solid estate plan? That’s where I come in. I work with you to: 👉 Help philanthropic clients provide for charities and their families with tools like charitable remainder trusts. 👉 Create guardrails for clients with minor children to manage assets until they’re ready. 👉 Support business owners with sales, succession planning, and risk mitigation. By working together, we ensure that your clients’ financial goals are fully aligned with their legal plans, building trust and securing their legacies. Want to learn more? Let’s connect!

Myth-Debunked: Do You Really Lose All Control with an Irrevocable Trust? One of the biggest myths in estate planning is that creating an irrevocable trust means you lose all control of your assets. While it’s true that these trusts have specific rules, they’re far more flexible than people realize. For example: 👉 You can change trustees if you’re unhappy with how the trust is managed. 👉 You can set rules for when and how assets are distributed. 👉 You might even receive income from the trust while still protecting the principal. Irrevocable trusts aren’t about losing control—they’re about gaining protection and peace of mind. They can shield assets from creditors, preserve a family business or vacation home, and even help with Medicaid planning or tax reduction. Curious to learn more? I just shared a video breaking down this myth and explaining how these trusts really work. Let’s connect and create an estate plan that fits your needs. Don’t let myths stop you from protecting your legacy.

Myth: Commercial Real Estate Financing ≠ Residential Financing Many people think that commercial real estate financing is just like residential financing on a larger scale. But the reality is that commercial loans are much more complex. From balloon loans and CMBS to the emphasis on the property's income rather than your personal credit, the differences are significant. Before entering the commercial real estate market, it’s essential to understand these nuances to make smart investment decisions. Read our latest blog post to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2xswr3J