Often, clients go the extra mile when it comes to effective and thorough estate planning. Always, in the back of their mind, they’re thinking a step ahead so that their family isn’t overwhelmed with legalities after they pass away. Through no fault of their own, however, their best intentions can sometimes fall short. This is where post-mortem planning can fill the gap. Planning after death provides a window for some changes to be made that would minimize an estate’s tax burden without … [Read more...] about Tax Planning and Other Benefits of Post-Mortem Planning in Massachusetts
Probate in Massachusetts: Drawbacks and Benefits
Understanding probate in Massachusetts – along with the benefits and drawbacks – can help shed light on the entire estate planning process. While it’s used in several contexts, the most common reference is simply presenting your will to the court when the time comes. There's a bit more to it though; in fact, it’s more accurately defined as the method that the estate as a whole is legally administered after your death. Like most legal proceedings, it’s a process that focuses on documentation, … [Read more...] about Probate in Massachusetts: Drawbacks and Benefits
A New Problem for Seniors: Data Breaches and ID Theft
Did you know that more than 600 million personal information records have been compromised due to data breaches, in more than 3,000 breaches, in less than ten years? It’s true and it’s a growing problem in the U.S. It stands to reason that a large portion of those 600 million records belong to senior citizens. It’s proving to be problematic and in ways you may not think. Elder law attorneys see the long term repercussions first hand. By now, most of us have heard of the many denial of service … [Read more...] about A New Problem for Seniors: Data Breaches and ID Theft
Long Term Care in Salem New Hampshire
There are more than 10 million Americans receiving long term care these days. Close to 38 percent are under the age of 65 with the vast majority of the remaining millions being over the age of 65. According to a new survey, it's believed 70 percent of us will need some type of long care assistance before we die. Now's the time to consider all of the legal, family, social and financial considerations of what long term care might mean for your family. Long Term Care in Salem New … [Read more...] about Long Term Care in Salem New Hampshire
New Law Creates Personal Liability to Nursing Homes
Power of Attorney Agents and Trustees Beware New Hampshire Law Creates Personal Liability to Nursing Homes Agents appointed under a power of attorney and/or trustee of a trust should be aware that if there is any chance that the grantor of the POA or Trust will enter a New Hampshire nursing home (whether or not they are a New Hampshire resident) it is imperative that they are educated on the severe financial consequences that can result from improper planning and seek legal counsel to … [Read more...] about New Law Creates Personal Liability to Nursing Homes
In New Hampshire, Wills Should be Priority
In 2012, the New Hampshire population was slightly more than 1.3 million and assuming the the national averages are applicable for New Hampshire residents, half of all adults who comprise that population have no will in place. While Americans are living longer, there's no denying a will can certainly lessen the burdens of loved ones as they go about the business of saying goodbye. For those in New Hampshire, wills and estate planning has never been more important. A will, simply stated, is … [Read more...] about In New Hampshire, Wills Should be Priority
October is National Special Needs Law Month
Each year, around this time, we begin to look back on the previous year. The fact that October is National Special Needs Law Month is timed beautifully in that it reminds us that no matter how great the year's been, there's still next year and clients who need elder care and estate planning guidance. As we gear up for this special month, this is an ideal opportunity to remind clients of all of the goings-on in this important legal sector. Special Needs Law Special needs law is particularly … [Read more...] about October is National Special Needs Law Month
Retirement? Not Yet. Parenting Grandkids
Ask any elder care lawyer or estate planning attorney and odds are, he will tell you he has at least a few clients who he's watched plan for their retirements over the years and who are now doing the unexpected: raising their grandchildren. Across the United States, nearly 8 million children are living in homes where relatives are their caretakers; nearly 6 million of those homes have grandparents as the caretakers. AARP calls these families “grandfamilies.” They have full and sole … [Read more...] about Retirement? Not Yet. Parenting Grandkids
An Introduction to Medicaid, Medicare
Two of the most important medical programs in the U.S. are also ones that can cause the greatest confusion. This week, we take a look at both Medicaid, Medicare and what they could mean for you at some point. Similarities Under both Medicare and Medicaid, an adult beneficiary must meet criteria, generally, they must be at least 65 years old or disabled. For Medicare coverage, the beneficiary or beneficiary’s spouse will often be required to have made some payroll contributions through … [Read more...] about An Introduction to Medicaid, Medicare
Estate Planning for NH Small Business Owners
Small business owners are the heart of the American economy. When every other sector is struggling, it's the small businesses that keep on keeping on – regardless of how high unemployment is or how frustrating the new healthcare laws are. Unfortunately, they're also the ones most likely to find themselves struggling to understand the intricacies of estate planning. There are specifics associated with covering those bases – and one forgotten detail can change everything. For many NH small … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for NH Small Business Owners
