My husband and I were referred to Simmons and Schiavo, LLP by another attorney who assisted us during our home closing. We had been procrastinating on completing our Trust and Will, but we knew it was necessary.

– Yvonne C.

Working with Marco and his team has been a truly insightful, educational, and thought-provoking journey. Everyone was extremely warm, kind and patient as we wrapped our brains around every possible scenario to get us where we are today — feeling extremely confident and comforted by having our trust and legacy protecte

– Robin B.

I recently had to make an estate plan and was referred to Simmons and Schiavo. I had no idea of what was involved and Marco Schiavo took the time and explained the process in detail. He and his team were very knowledgeable and professional. Thanks to Marco and the team at Simmons and Schiavo.

– Laraine R.

Working with the entire team at Simmons & Schiavo has been great experience! From start to finish they made the process of my estate planning comfortable, simple and efficient. John was a pleasure to work with, very knowledgeable and professional.

– Maria K.

Everyone at Simmons and Schiavo were wonderful I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for help with their estate planning needs. Very knowledgeable and explained everything in detail.

– Liz G.

Woburn Estate Planning Attorneys

Creating Effective Estate Planning Strategies to Protect You and Your Family

One of the easiest ways to protect your assets for you and your family is to create a comprehensive estate plan that outlines your final wishes. Effective estate planning can help protect your assets from creditors, divorce, or being lost if you need long-term care. Other advantages include minimizing estate taxes and allowing your loved ones to avoid probate and quickly receive the financial resources they need after you pass away.

Estate planning can be a complicated process, depending on your financial situation, and it requires the help of a knowledgeable attorney. Our Woburn, Massachusetts, estate planning attorneys have extensive experience with all aspects of estate planning, including trust administration, wills, and health care proxies.

Contact Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law at our Woburn office to schedule a consultation and learn more about our legal services. One of our highly trained attorneys will gladly meet with you to assess your legal needs and explain how we can help.

How May We Help You?

Asset Protection

Allow our skilled attorneys to create a comprehensive plan to offer maximum asset protection for you and your beneficiaries.

Business Succession Planning

Allow us to help you create a comprehensive business succession plan to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.

Charitable Planning

Our qualified attorneys can assist you with creating charitable planning strategies that allow you to support philanthropic causes.

Estate Settlement

Managing an estate can be overwhelming. Contact our law office to learn more about how we can help.

Medicaid Applications

Our knowledgeable attorneys can assist you with filling out a Medicaid application and structuring your assets to meet eligibility requirements.

Probate

Our law office will ensure you have the legal support you need to navigate the complex probate process successfully.

Trusts

If you want to learn more about the benefits of creating a trust, contact our law offices today for more information.

Irrevocable Trusts

Contact our law firm today to learn how to protect your assets from creditors or possibly be sold or liened for long-term care costs.

Revocable Trusts

Our well-trained attorneys can help you create a revocable trust to manage your assets, plan for incapacity, and avoid probate.

Wealth Preservation

Call our law office today to learn more about how we can create a comprehensive plan to protect your assets and minimize taxes

Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me With Estate Planning?

If you are considering estate planning, you must have an experienced lawyer to assist you with your legal needs. Even though there are several DIY options online, it is always best to hire a lawyer, even for the most basic plans. Estate planning can be complex and, depending on your objectives, will likely require the help of a qualified legal professional.

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a lawyer is they can create comprehensive estate planning documents that will hold up to legal scrutiny. One of the last things your loved ones want to deal with is probate litigation if someone challenges the validity of a will, trust, or your choice of power of attorney (POA). If an estate plan is not drafted correctly, it could result in severe tax consequences for your family.

Our lawyers have the skills and knowledge to create a well-crafted estate plan to meet your needs and give you peace of mind, knowing your future is protected.

Client Success Stories

Simmons & Schiavo, LLP

      
   5.0323 reviews

      
 Excellent5.0323 reviews
 5.0
 Excellent323 reviews
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Uli Klingbeil 
 3 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Marco Schiavo and his team to revise our estate plan was a good experience in every aspect. They were very knowledgeable, responsive, patient and very well organized. They were good at guiding us through the process, helping us understand the intricacies of complex topics, and diligently answered my many questions, all in a friendly and personable way. I highly recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   LAURA 
 29 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Estate Planning Experience I had a wonderful experience working with Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys on my estate planning. From start to finish, everyone was professional, knowledgeable, and extremely accommodating. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answer all of my questions, and make sure I was comfortable with each decision. I truly appreciated how patient and responsive they were throughout the entire process. Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but they made the process much easier and gave me confidence that everything was properly taken care of. I would highly recommend Chivo and Simmons Attorneys to anyone looking for thoughtful, professional, and compassionate assistance with their estate planning.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Corbett 
 18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were looking for a good firm to set up our trust We were fortunate to be referred to Marco Schiavo’s office in Quincy . Marco far exceeded our expectations we immediately felt at ease while he explained the process from start to finish. Marco & his staff are definitely a 5 star Company.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jimmy Swanton 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very professional firm. Made the whole process go very smoothly. Every detail came out perfectly to our requests. Definitely would recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   David Hull 
 7 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marco, John and the team are incredible. Their process is thorough, approachable, informative and caring. We felt supported at every step in our process and equipped with information and counsel with each decision point. I can't speak highly enough about our entire experience. These are top notch people who care. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   John Coundouris 
 30 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent professional service and advice on Estate Planning! Everyone in the group was very helpful and courteous. Everything was done in a timely manner! I highly recommend this practice! Thank you!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Promise Otaluka 
 22 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had a great experience with the office of Simmons & Schiavo, LLP during the preparation of our family trust. We were recommended to the office by a friend and our expectations were met, the process was well explained in person and on video recording.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   John Nolan 
 21 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly experienced law firm with excellent support team who make the process smooth and easy while delivering a superior product and service! Would highly recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa Tommasiello 
 20 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I recently used Simmons & Schiavo to do our estate plan. We had an excellent experience working with Marco Schiavo. He guided us thru the whole experience, asking questions and explaining the different options that could apply to our situation. The staff at the firm has also been very helpful in completing the necessary document changes that we needed done. We highly recommend them for your estate planning needs.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   An Phan 
 3 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with attorney Marco Schiavo for my estate planning. He was trustworthy, knowledgeable, kind and patient. He explained to me in detail whenever I had a question. He helped me pick best options for my estate. I highly recommend him and his team to anyone who needs estate planning.

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What Type of Experience Do Your Attorneys Have With Estate Planning?

Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law has highly-trained legal professionals with extensive experience in estate planning. For example, our founding partners, Attorneys Kenneth J. Simmons and Marco A. Schiavo, have a combined 40+ years of experience helping clients with their elder law and estate planning needs.

Our other estate planning and estate settlement attorneys are also passionately committed to helping clients. With years of experience in business transactions, trust administration, and real estate law, our dedicated legal team collaborates and uses its skills to ensure that clients receive top-tier service.

Whether you need help with wills, trust documents, minimizing estate taxes, or reviewing a current estate plan, our attorneys can offer you the professional support you need to face the future confidently. To learn more about our qualifications and how we can assist you with your estate planning needs, contact our Woburn offices and ask to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled attorneys.

Meet Our Attorneys

About Us

Guiding you in developing a uniquely-designed plan that protects your family, avoids the courts and sets the stage for continued family harmony, allowing you to rest easy with comfort and peace of mind.

Kenneth J. Simmons, Jr.

Attorney – Partner

Marco A. Schiavo

Attorney – Partner

Joseph Sciabica

Associate Attorney

John E. Zuccaro III

Associate Attorney

Kenneth J. Simmons, Jr.

Attorney – Partner

Marco A. Schiavo

Attorney – Partner

Joseph Sciabica

Associate Attorney

John E. Zuccaro III

Associate Attorney

About Us

What Makes Your Law Firm Different From Others?

If you need help with an estate planning matter, you need a law firm with significant experience helping clients with their legal needs. When you come to us for help, we take the time to listen to your concerns and determine your long-term objectives. Our law firm has a proven record of helping clients and safeguarding their assets for them and future generations.

At Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law, our legal team prioritizes building strong attorney-client relationships. We realize that to be successful, we must cultivate meaningful connections built on mutual trust.

Unlike other law offices focusing on profitability, we are committed to ensuring our clients feel satisfied with our legal services. We genuinely care about our clients and their families well-being and treat them with the care and respect they deserve.

Why Choose Us?

Quality legal services

Our law firm is dedicated to providing you with quality legal services. We know that it can be challenging to think about passing away and how your family will manage without you. Our attorneys have in-depth experience creating customized plans that will thoroughly address your needs so that you can face the future confidently.

Customized approach

When it comes to effective estate planning, we know there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We believe in collaborating with our clients to ensure they feel satisfied with the results. Our law firm will work closely with you to create a customized plan that addresses your current and future needs.

Proven track record

Our law firm has a proven record of being able to provide Massachusetts citizens with high-quality legal services. Our mission is to serve our community and help clients create comprehensive estate plans. We strive to ensure that clients can effectively plan for the future and make informed legal decisions.

Time-sensitive results

Our legal team recognizes that clients want fast and reliable legal services so they do not have to worry about the future. When you come to us for help, we will work diligently to create comprehensive estate planning documents that will protect your rights and assets and withstand potential legal scrutiny.

Honest evaluations

Our attorneys take pride in offering clients honest evaluations regarding their legal needs. Other law firms often focus on profits and not what is best for their clients. Our experienced legal team will thoroughly evaluate your estate planning needs and produce a plan that is right for you.

Growth mindset

Our estate planning lawyers focus on excellence by pursuing continuous education so we can offer clients top-tier service. Our highly-trained legal professionals know that to provide clients with the quality legal services they deserve, we must continually strive to educate ourselves regarding effective estate planning strategies.

Quality legal services

Customized approach

Proven track record

Time-sensitive results

Our legal team recognizes that clients want fast and reliable legal services, so they do not have to worry about the future. When you come to us for help, we will work diligently to create comprehensive estate planning documents that will protect your rights and assets and withstand potential legal scrutiny.

Honest evaluations

Growth mindset

The Great Balancing Act: Saving for College and Retirement

Preserving Your Family’s Story and Legacy

Second Marriages and the Importance of Expressing Clear Intent in the Trust

Estate Tax Minimization Using Life Insurance Trusts

The Woburn Spotlight

Estate Planning

Business Planning

Medicaid Planning

Is My Estate Plan Missing Something? Time for a Check-Up

Estate Settlement Checklist: Getting Your Affairs in Order

The Role of PR and Trustee: What is Your Role Now?

Documents Needed for a Medicaid Application

What Kind of Results Can I Expect From Your Law Firm?

Our estate planning attorneys understand that every client has unique goals that they want to address when preparing for the future. Our primary goal is to help clients feel confident that their assets and families are protected. Our attorneys use their knowledge to develop innovative solutions for each client we serve based on what is meaningful to them.

Our law firm recognizes that it can be challenging to think about what will happen to your family after you pass away. We also realize that our clients expect professional advice and prompt service. At Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law, teamwork is central to our approach, enabling us to prepare your legal documents quickly and efficiently.

We proudly present clients with an all-encompassing estate plan to address their immediate and long-term needs. We strive to ensure our clients feel we have provided excellent service and peace of mind.

Our Latest Blog Posts

July 19, 2026

Navigating the Business Sale: Integrating Succession Planning with Personal Estate Goals

For many business owners in Woburn and across Massachusetts, a company represents far more than…

May 1, 2026

Using Charitable Planning to Reduce Estate Tax and Build a Lasting Legacy

Charitable Planning Strategies to Reduce Estate Taxes and Create a Lasting Legacy Families in Woburn…

March 17, 2026

Choose Wisely: How the Right Trustee Ensures Your Wealth Preservation

Selecting a trustee is one of the most significant decisions you will make while creating…

Cheerful family talking during breakfast in dining room.

January 6, 2026

The New Year Estate Plan Checkup: How a Yearly Review Protects Your Family and Your Fortune

Why Should I Conduct an Annual Estate Plan Review? The start of the new year…

Happy woman and her hospitalized father talking to a doctor at the clinic.

November 8, 2025

The Role of a Health Care Proxy in Massachusetts Estate Planning

Woburn families plan ahead. They plan for school calendars, their savings goals, and the unexpected…

September 8, 2025

How to Minimize Estate Taxes with Charitable Donations

Leaving a financial legacy for your heirs requires you to make some big decisions. You…

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What Makes Your Law Firm the Right Choice to Help Me With My Estate Planning Services?

Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law has significant experience providing clients with comprehensive estate planning services. When you contact us for assistance, we use our years of experience to find innovative estate-planning solutions to help your family avoid probate or possible litigation.

With our help, we can create a custom estate plan that keeps your assets out of probate and allows your family members to easily access the financial resources they need after your death.

Our Massachusetts estate planning lawyers understand that you want to safeguard your assets for your loved ones and other beneficiaries. They also know that you want to be sure that your final wishes are carried out and that you can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Contact Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law today by calling 781-675-1315 and ask to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney who will gladly review your legal needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include a prenuptial agreement in a Massachusetts estate plan?

Prenuptial agreements can be included in a Massachusetts estate plan, depending on your needs. It is important to note that prenuptial agreements must be signed before the marriage occurs to be considered valid. Prenuptial agreements are ideal for individuals who have remarried and have children from previous marriages. A prenup can protect assets that each spouse brings into the relationship, ensuring that their heirs receive family inheritances. A prenuptial agreement can also address issues that arise should a divorce occur, such as spousal support or property division.

Can a life insurance policy be placed in a trust?

In Massachusetts, a life insurance policy can be placed in an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). Once an insurance policy is placed in the irrevocable trust, it is no longer considered the policyholder’s property. One benefit of placing an insurance policy in the trust is that it can help reduce estate taxes after the policyholder’s death. Specific legal stipulations apply to placing an insurance policy in a trust. For example, the policyholder must live at least three years after placing the policy in the trust, and not all policies qualify for an ILIT.

Do I still need a will if I have trust?

If you have a trust in Massachusetts, it is still wise to have a will. A will can address legal issues that cannot be handled with a trust. For example, only a will can name a guardian to care for children of minor age. Another benefit of having a will is that it addresses assets that may not be included in the trust. It provides a mechanism to add those assets to the trust after your death.

How does estate planning help prevent guardianship and conservatorship of an incapacitated person?

In Massachusetts, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings can take significant time while a thorough evaluation is conducted. Proper estate planning is one of the best ways to prevent both of these proceedings. Estate planning helps to prevent guardianships and conservatorships by allowing an individual to create legal documents such as a power of attorney (POA) or health care proxies that allow another person to make decisions regarding their finances or medical care if they become incapacitated. Estate planning that details your wishes helps eliminate the need for your family to guess when making decisions.

How long does probate take in Massachusetts?

Unfortunately, probate in Massachusetts can be a complicated process, taking anywhere from a few months to several years. The length of time that it takes to complete the probate process depends on several factors, including the backlog of the courts, the complexity of the case, debts owed by the estate, and whether beneficiaries raise any objections. Generally, the probate process is completed in approximately a year but can leave heirs and beneficiaries waiting for needed financial resources. That being the case, hiring an attorney to assist you with probate is one of the best ways to ensure the process goes smoothly. Having a properly drafted and funded estate plan in place will allow a family to avoid the process altogether.

How long does it take for beneficiaries to receive assets from a trust?

Massachusetts law dictates that trust beneficiaries have the right to receive their distributions within a reasonable time. The time it takes for beneficiaries to receive financial resources from a trust can vary depending on several factors, including the type and terms of the trust and whether taxes must be paid. Most beneficiaries receive trust resources within a few months. If the trust contains real estate holdings, a beneficiary may have to wait until the property is sold to receive a distribution. Distribution may be significantly delayed if legal proceedings challenge the trust’s validity or terms.

Can the money from a personal injury settlement be placed in a special needs trust?

If a family member has received a personal injury settlement, a special needs trust (SNT) is an excellent option to help them maintain their eligibility for government benefits. Depending on the case, an individual could be awarded significant financial compensation for their injuries. Government programs such as Medicaid or SSI have strict income requirements to maintain eligibility. If a special needs individual has financial resources that exceed the limit, they risk the chance of their benefits being discontinued. Due to the legal complexities involved with an SNT, it is always best to consult a qualified attorney who can assist you with creating a trust.

How can I minimize estate taxes for my beneficiaries?

Most individuals do not want a portion of their estate to be consumed by estate taxes. There are several estate planning strategies that you can use to minimize the estate taxes your estate may have to pay. One of the most common ways is to place your assets in a trust, which can also help avoid probate. Other legal strategies include giving annual gifts to beneficiaries over time or through charitable giving options. Regardless of your financial situation, consulting with an attorney who can review your legal options and create a comprehensive plan to help you achieve your objectives is always wise.