You understand how important it is to have at least a basic estate plan in place. Despite this knowledge, you have yet to sit down with an estate planning attorney and create your estate plan. Moreover, you don’t foresee having the time or money to do so in the near future. Like many people, you may see using a DIY Will as the simple solution to your problem. After all, in the electronic age you can find just about anything on the internet, including “fill-in-the-blank” Last Will and Testament … [Read more...] about The Dangers of Using a DIY Will
Retirement Guide 101
If you are still in your 20s, you probably think you are too young to be thinking about your retirement. The time to start planning for your retirement, however, is when you first start working. If you are nearing retirement age and have yet to create a retirement plan, you may be concerned that it is too late to get started; however, it is never too late to think about your retirement plans. Like most people though, you may not know where to begin. Yes, you need to save money for your … [Read more...] about Retirement Guide 101
What Does the Executor of a Will Do?
Your Last Will and Testament will likely provide the foundation for your entire estate plan. As such, the decisions you make in your Will should be made only after careful consideration. This applies not only to decisions that relate to the distribution of your estate assets, but also to the decision of who to appoint as the Executor of your estate. People frequently make the mistake of simply filling in the name of a spouse, family member, or close friend as the Executor in their Last Will and … [Read more...] about What Does the Executor of a Will Do?
Is a Trustee Personally Liable for Mistakes Made during Trust Administration?
One of the most common additions to a well-rounded and comprehensive estate plan is a trust. While there are a number of different types of trusts, one thing all trusts have in common is the need to appoint a Trustee to manage trust assets and administer the trust terms. If you have been appointed as the Trustee of a trust, and you have never served as a Trustee before, you likely have a number of questions relating to your duties and responsibilities. One of the most important of those … [Read more...] about Is a Trustee Personally Liable for Mistakes Made during Trust Administration?
Can Special Needs Planning Protect My Child’s Inheritance?
If you are the parent of a child with special needs you undoubtedly worry about your child’s future just like any other parent. You may not worry more than other parents; however, you may have more to worry about as the parent of a child with special needs. Will your child be able to live independently as an adult? Will your child need ongoing assistance as an adult? Who will help your child is something happens to you? Most importantly, how can you ensure that your child has sufficient … [Read more...] about Can Special Needs Planning Protect My Child’s Inheritance?
Reporting Elder Abuse in Massachusetts – What Can You Do If You Believe a Loved One Is Being Abused?
Do you have an elderly loved one in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that you believe is the victim of abuse and/or neglect? If so, you are likely very concerned about their wellbeing. Sadly, elder abuse and neglect has become an increasingly common problem in the United States over the last several decades. As the older population in the U.S. continues to grow at a heretofore unprecedented rate, it is safe to assume that the issue of elder abuse will continue to plague the country. The good … [Read more...] about Reporting Elder Abuse in Massachusetts – What Can You Do If You Believe a Loved One Is Being Abused?
What You Need to Know about Medicaid in Massachusetts
Whether you realize it or not, there is a very good chance that you will need to qualify for Medicaid at some point in your life, most likely during your retirement years. When that time comes, if you failed to plan ahead, your hard-earned assets could end up at risk. If you live in Massachusetts, you need to understand the eligibility rules for Medicaid in Massachusetts now so that you will qualify down the road if you need benefits. Moreover, you need to work closely with an experienced … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Medicaid in Massachusetts
What Happens If a Will Contest Is Filed during the Probate Process in Massachusetts?
The probate process in any state can be a time consuming and frustrating process for everyone involved under the best of circumstances. Unfortunately, however, the probate process often takes place under circumstances that are less than ideal. If you are involved in the probate of an estate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for example, and someone challenges the Last Will and Testament submitted to the court for probate, it will have a direct impact on the probate process itself. If you … [Read more...] about What Happens If a Will Contest Is Filed during the Probate Process in Massachusetts?
Can a Massachusetts Elder Law Attorney Help Me with a Complaint about a Nursing Home?
The realization that a loved one needs around the clock care is difficult to accept. Whether it is a spouse, a parent, or a close family member, it is never easy to admit that you cannot provide the level of care that a loved one requires. Once you have accepted that reality though, the equally difficult task of finding a nursing home begins. Deciding on a facility can take weeks, even months, because you want to be sure you have selected the best possible place for your loved one. What happens … [Read more...] about Can a Massachusetts Elder Law Attorney Help Me with a Complaint about a Nursing Home?
Do I Need to Worry about State Estate Taxes?
If you are the Executor or beneficiary of an estate you have an interest in the value of the estate assets. As the Executor, you will be responsible for paying creditors’ claims and taxes and eventually distributing the estate assets to the intended beneficiaries and/or heirs of the estate. As a beneficiary, you will eventually receive some of the estate assets after all claims and taxes have been paid. One concern both an Executor and a beneficiary will have is whether or not the estate will … [Read more...] about Do I Need to Worry about State Estate Taxes?
