A well thought out estate plan can help grow your assets during your working years, protect you and your loved ones from unexpected events such as your incapacity or death, and provide for your loved ones once you are gone. Given everything your estate plan can accomplish, finding the right estate planning attorney to help you create your plan should be a priority. At the North Andover, Massachusetts law firm of DeBruyckere Law Offices we understand the important role your estate plan will play in protecting you, your assets, and your loved ones and we would be honored to help you create your plan.
The History of North Andover, Massachusetts
Like many cities in New England, North Andover has a long history and an interesting beginning. The lands south of the Merrimack River around Lake Cochichewick and the Shawsheen River were originally set aside by the Massachusetts General Court in 1634 for the express purpose of creating an inland plantation. The Cochichewick Plantation, as it was called at the time, was purchased on May 6, 1646 when Reverend John Woodbridge, who had settled the land for the English, paid Penacook chief Cutshmache six pounds and a coat for the lands.
The plantation was then incorporated as “Andover” after the city in England from where many of the original settlers hailed. As the town spread, conflict arose over the location of the parish church. To resolve the conflict, two churches were erected in 1709, one in the north and one in the south of Andover. Over the next century or so, the two churches grew farther and farther apart, eventually leading to northern church breaking ties with its southern counterpart. That, in turn, led to the incorporation of what is now North Andover, Massachusetts.
North Andover, Massachusetts Today
Located in Essex County, Massachusetts, North Andover is home to approximately 30, 000 residents. Given the town’s age, it should come as no surprise that there are a number of historic homes and cites within the city’s borders. The oldest house is thought to be the Bridges House, relocated from Marbleridge Road to Court Street in 2001. The original portion of this house is believed to date to about 1690; however, experts have never tested the house to determine an exact date. Other first period houses include the Stevens House on Great Pond Road, the Faulkner House on Appleton Street, and the Abiel Stevens House on Salem Street.
In addition, the Parson Barnard House is also a very old structure that has been converted to a museum. Many events are also still held at the old common, including the sheep shearing festival in late spring and various summer activities for children and adults. For the outdoor lovers, there is plenty to do and see in North Andover, including the Harold Parker State Forest which offers 25 miles of trails, a campground, and a freshwater swimming beach, along with horseback riding, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking. An annual fishing tournament is also held there in September.
DeBruyckere Law Offices in the North Andover Community
The attorneys and staff at DeBruyckere Law Offices are proud to be part of the North Andover, Massachusetts community. Our North Andover clients are much more than clients to us which is why we strive to develop lifelong relationships with each one. Likewise, we don’t just work in the North Andover community, we play an active part in the community. We also understand that sharing your personal, confidential information, goals, and wishes with a stranger is not easy. By striving to create lasting relationships with our clients we hope to make it easier for you to confide in us which, in turn, helps us to create an estate plan for you that reflects those goals and wishes.
Estate planning is not something that is accomplished in a single meeting. On the contrary, your estate plan should be reviewed and modified as you pass through the various stages of your life and events transpire that should warrant changes to your plan. We want to be there with you for all those important events to be sure your estate plan reflects the changes in your life. While certain strategies and tools, such as probate and tax avoidance, should be part of your estate plan from the beginning, others will be added along the journey of your life.
When you marry, for instance, it may be time to incorporate incapacity planning into your overall estate plan. You may also start to include strategies in your estate plan that will help your estate avoid probate as well as ensure that you can afford long-term care should you need it in the future.
Finally, funeral planning may be interjected into your estate plan to provide you with peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored and your loved ones won’t have to endure added stress while grieving your loss. At the North Andover law firm of DeBruyckere Law Offices we would be honored to be with you at each step of your journey through life and help you create an estate plan that reflects your needs and wishes.
Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney Today
If you have estate planning questions or concerns, or would like to get started creating your estate plan, contact the experienced North Andover, Massachusetts estate planning attorneys at DeBruyckere Law Offices by calling (978) 969-0331.
