As readers of this blog likely know by now, probate should be avoided. It is time-consuming and very expensive because it is, essentially, death litigation. Plus, the entire legal battle is public, which can make the family squabbles that explode during probate much...
Estate Planning
Understanding the differences between Medicare, Medicaid and MassHealth
Medicare, Medicaid and MassHealth are all extremely important programs that can help Massachusetts residents with their medical needs. It's common to hear their names tossed around in the same conversation, and it can be easy to get them confused with each other...
Is your estate plan all that it should be?
If you have an estate plan in place, are you confident that it contains everything that it should to protect your legacy and your heirs? If it's missing something, now is the time to make adjustments to your estate plan so that it will be the most effective after you...
Including digital assets in an estate plan
For many years, when a person created an estate plan, they may have only considered including physical assets. However, it’s just as important to think about how digital assets will be addressed after the estate plan’s creator passes away. Identifying digital assets...
The importance of choosing the right executor
A will contains important information regarding the handling of your estate after you pass away. In addition to specifying which of your beneficiaries will be receiving which assets, you will need to name an executor to manage your affairs. The person you choose will...
Discussing estate planning with aging parents
There comes a time in almost everyone’s life when they age and need assistance. While it can be difficult for adult children to discuss estate planning with their aging parents, it is important to do so to ensure that their parents’ wishes are carried out. Approaching...
How do I include state and federal insurance into my estate plan?
If you are a Massachusetts resident who receives MassHealth, Medicaid or Medicare benefits, you may wonder how to include these programs into your estate plan. But, once you know the basics of these programs and how they affect your estate planning options,...
When can people use the informal probate process?
One of the unfortunate facts of life in Massachusetts is that no one lives forever. Everyone will pass away at some point in time, but knowing that does not make it any easier on people’s loved ones who survive them. For some, the pain can be more than just mourning...
The right legal support for your elderly loved one
If you are the caretaker for your elderly loved one, you want to make sure that they have the most appropriate legal support possible. If you are like many other people, you may not understand exactly what that entails and even which questions you need to ask. If you...
Understanding the facets of elder care in Massachusetts
If you are elderly or you have an elderly loved one, you must understand elder law and how the laws and regulations affect you or your loved one. Elder law is an approach that is multidisciplinary and focuses specifically on the legal issues of older and disabled...