Joel Bernstein, Local Business

Joel Bernstein

Retired Estate Planning Attorney | Massachusetts Estate Planning Educator

After 32 years helping Massachusetts families protect what matters most, I hung up my law license in early 2025. But old habits die hard – I still wake up at 6 AM to read estate planning updates with my coffee.

What I Do Now

These days, I can't take new clients (retirement has its perks!). But I love helping Massachusetts families avoid expensive estate planning mistakes through:

Free monthly tips for 1,200+ subscribers who want practical guidance

Educational monographs that dive deep into complex planning challenges

Attorney referrals to excellent Massachusetts estate planning lawyers who'll take great care of you

My Background

I'm a reformed New Yorker who couldn't wait to escape the urban chaos. Found my home in Massachusetts where I built both my practice and my garden. Earned my JD, added environmental law, then completed a master's in tax law (apparently I enjoy homework more than most people).

For over 30 years, I maintained an obsessive morning ritual: one hour of estate planning law reading before the rest of the world woke up. My wife thought I was slightly crazy, but this habit kept me current on the constantly changing rules that could save families thousands.

Personal Life

Happily married for 45 years with three grown children. When I'm not writing about trusts and taxes, you'll find me in my garden – because apparently I need something else that grows slowly and requires constant attention.

Why I Share This Stuff

68% of Massachusetts families have no estate plan. I've seen too many smart people make expensive mistakes that could've been prevented with simple planning. Since I can't help everyone personally anymore, I share what I learned through three decades of practice.

The stories I tell are fictional but based on real patterns I observed. I use these examples to make complex legal concepts memorable and relatable.

Connect With Me

Website: www.livingtrustma.com

Email: [Contact through website for attorney referrals]

Newsletter: Free monthly Massachusetts estate planning tips

Retired but not retired enough to stop helping families protect what they've worked so hard to build.