The Basics of Estate Planning with Laura Goodman

January 22, 2025 7:30 pm

(In-person and Online)

Estate planning is essential for all phases of adult life and is especially important for families with young children and for elders. Laura Goodman, experienced estate planning counsel with the firm of Margolis, Bloom, and D’Agostino, will discuss the basics of estate planning for Kerem Shalom members. This will be a great opportunity for anyone who does not yet have an estate plan to start thinking about it, for those who would benefit from updating or revising their existing estate plans, and for folks who have an estate plan but are wondering what all of those lengthy documents they signed actually mean!

Among the topics Laura will discuss are:

What the key estate planning documents are, and their functions;

How a well-drafted estate plan can, among other benefits:

  • potentially save the estate thousands of dollars in estate taxes
  • keep decisions about who receives your property upon your death and the terms under which they receive them confidential by avoiding probate
  • provide for the care of minors and disabled heirs (and pets)
  • designate who will handle your finances if you are unable to do so
  • provide guidance to your loved ones for their use if and when they are required to make critical healthcare decisions on your behalf
  • be used as a vehicle for charitable giving

A handout of the talk will be provided and shared as a PDF in the chat for Zoom participants.

Laura joined Margolis Bloom & D’Agostino in 2015. She represents clients in matters involving estate planning, planning for long-term care, special needs planning, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and probate administration. Laura earned her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law, where she was a senior staff member of the Law Journal and a Team Leader for the Domestic Violence Institute at Boston Medical Center. She received a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School.

The Basics of Estate Planning with Laura Goodman is co-sponsored by the KS Legacy Giving Committee (Stewards of the Vineyard) and the KS Adult Programming Committee.