Next Chapter Family Law & Estate Planning

Next Chapter Family Law & Estate Planning Law Firm Law Office and Mediation Services

04/24/2026

In a medical emergency, decisions don't wait. And without clear direction from you, the people who love you most are left guessing — under pressure, often disagreeing.

Planning ahead doesn't prevent the unexpected. It just makes sure the decisions that get made are yours.

Visit our website today for a virtual or in-person consult.

https://nextchapterma.com/

04/08/2026

A Health Care Proxy and a Living Will are often confused—but they serve two very different purposes.

Both documents relate to your medical care, but they play separate roles in your health care planning. A Health Care Proxy allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf, while a Living Will outlines your wishes for medical treatments.

Understanding how these documents work together can help ensure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones know how to support you when it matters most.

Visit the link below to book a virtual or in-person consultation with our team.

https://nextchapterma.com/contact

Talking about healthcare decisions with family isn’t always easy—but it’s one of the most important conversations you ca...
04/06/2026

Talking about healthcare decisions with family isn’t always easy—but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have. By discussing your wishes ahead of time, you can help prevent confusion during difficult moments and ensure your loved ones understand the decisions you would want made on your behalf.

At Next Chapter, we help individuals and families navigate these conversations and create plans that reflect their wishes and priorities.

Fill out our intake questionnaire to start a conversation about creating a Healthcare Proxy or Living Will.

https://nextchapterma.cliogrow.com/intake/6361f9b1ff9bb557213817e2a9b52367

04/02/2026

So, you have a Will in place—now what?

Creating a Will is an important step in planning for the future, but many people are surprised to learn that it’s just one piece of a complete estate plan. A comprehensive plan may also include a trust, beneficiary designations, a healthcare proxy, and other important documents. Reviewing the full picture of your estate can help ensure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones are protected.

Fill out our intake questionnaire to get started.

https://nextchapterma.cliogrow.com/intake/6361f9b1ff9bb557213817e2a9b52367

Although Women’s History Month is coming to a close, supporting and empowering the women around us is something that mat...
03/31/2026

Although Women’s History Month is coming to a close, supporting and empowering the women around us is something that matters year-round.

At Next Chapter, we’re here to support you through both everyday decisions and major life transitions. Whether you’re navigating change, protecting your family, or planning for the future, our team is here to provide the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

Visit the link below to book a virtual or in-person consultation.

https://nextchapterma.com/

Asset Protection ⚖️Asset protection is an important part of financial and estate planning. At its core, it’s about creat...
10/30/2025

Asset Protection ⚖️

Asset protection is an important part of financial and estate planning. At its core, it’s about creating strategies that safeguard your wealth, both personal and business, from potential risks such as creditor claims, lawsuits, or unexpected liabilities.

The goal isn’t to hide assets or evade responsibilities. Instead, asset protection uses legal and ethical tools to structure ownership in ways that reduce exposure while staying fully compliant with debtor–creditor laws.
Some of the most common asset protection strategies include:
🔹 Establishing trusts to hold and manage property
🔹 Forming business entities such as LLCs or corporations to separate personal and business liabilities
🔹 Proper use of insurance policies to cover potential risks
🔹 Titling assets strategically (such as tenancy by the entirety for married couples)
🔹 Updating your estate plan to reflect current laws and your family’s needs

Without protection in place, a single lawsuit or creditor claim could impact your financial stability or even jeopardize the legacy you’ve worked hard to build.

Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or individual with personal assets, asset protection is not about expecting the worst, it’s about planning wisely so you and your family are prepared for the unexpected.

Estate Planning is about more than just paperwork. It’s about taking control of your future, protecting the people you l...
10/28/2025

Estate Planning is about more than just paperwork. It’s about taking control of your future, protecting the people you love, and ensuring your wishes are honored. 📝

Far too many families put off planning, thinking it’s something to do “later.” But life is unpredictable, and without a clear plan in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, confusion, or financial hardship. Estate planning gives you the power to:
✔️ Decide who will receive your assets and how they’ll be managed
✔️ Appoint guardians for minor children or dependents
✔️ Put healthcare directives in place so your voice is always heard
✔️ Minimize taxes and avoid costly probate delays
✔️ Create peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order

The truth is, estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or retired - it’s for anyone who wants to leave clarity, not questions, behind. Whether you need to create a plan for the first time or update an existing one, this week is the perfect time to take action.

Your future, your family, and your legacy deserve the security of a thoughtful plan.

Let’s talk restraining orders 📄 They’re legal protections designed to help keep you safe if you’re experiencing threats,...
10/15/2025

Let’s talk restraining orders 📄 They’re legal protections designed to help keep you safe if you’re experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse!

Some provide immediate, short-term relief, while others can last longer after a court hearing. A restraining order can set boundaries like limiting contact or requiring someone to leave a shared home giving you more safety and peace of mind.

At Next Chapter Family Law and Estate Planning, we guide clients through this process with care and clarity.

👩‍💻 Andrea Lance, Esq.
📍 36 Union Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
📞 (978) 704-9223
💻 www.nextchapterma.com

Meet Maggie Clark 💼As Client Coordinator at Next Chapter, Maggie is often the first reassuring voice clients hear. She p...
10/09/2025

Meet Maggie Clark 💼

As Client Coordinator at Next Chapter, Maggie is often the first reassuring voice clients hear. She plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate emotionally charged legal matters with compassion and clarity. With a professional background in education, Maggie brings years of experience working closely with families, skills she now channels into building trust and offering steady support throughout each client’s legal journey.

Her ability to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and foster a welcoming environment ensures that every person feels seen, heard, and cared for from the very first conversation.

Outside the office, Maggie enjoys beach days and perfecting her homemade pizza recipe! 🍕

Estate planning isn’t just for later in life, it’s about protecting what matters most today and tomorrow. 💙From naming g...
10/07/2025

Estate planning isn’t just for later in life, it’s about protecting what matters most today and tomorrow. 💙

From naming guardians for children, to making sure your assets are passed on the way you intend, to leaving clear instructions for healthcare decisions, a solid plan gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.

At Next Chapter Family Law, we believe planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

👩‍💻 Andrea Lance, Esq.
📍 36 Union Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
📞 (978) 704-9223
💻 www.nextchapterma.com

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. Probate can be complex, especially duri...
09/30/2025

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. Probate can be complex, especially during an already difficult time. The court requires notice to beneficiaries under estate planning documents, statutory heirs who would inherit if estate planning documents don’t exist or are found unenforceable, as well as certain state agencies.
 
For many families, probate feels overwhelming. My role is to assist you in gathering all of the information you need to probate the estate, file the numerous pleadings the Court requires, and ensure we use the most efficient procedure available based on your specific situation.
 
I also help resolve disputes, protect the estate’s value, and ensure your loved one’s wishes are honored with dignity. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex assets, business interests, or family conflict, I combine legal skill with compassion to guide you through with clarity and confidence.

👩‍💻 Andrea Lance, Esq.
📍 36 Union Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
📞 (978) 704-9223
💻 www.nextchapterma.com

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Manchester, MA
01944

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