Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Special Needs Planning In Massachusetts: What Is A Letter Of Intent?
Are you a primary caregiver for a child, grandchild, or other loved one with special needs? If so, it is crucial that you put a comprehensive estate plan in place to protect their health, safety, and well-being. A letter of intent can be used to outline the daily needs of your vulnerable loved one…. Read More »
How Often Do People Change Their Will In Massachusetts?
Are you considering making a change to your will? In Massachusetts, you have the right to do so as long as you are of sound mind. You may be wondering: How often do people change their will in Massachusetts? The short answer is “it depends.” Some people never change their wills. Others revise the… Read More »
Can The Person With Your Power Of Attorney Change Your Will In Massachusetts?
A power of attorney (POA) is an important estate planning document. It allows a trusted person (your agent) to manage your legal and financial affairs if you become incapacitated. You may be wondering: Can power of attorney be used to change a will? In Massachusetts, the answer is a clear and resounding “no.” Here,… Read More »
A House Can Lead To A Big Fight In Probate (Proper Planning Is A Must)
According to Zillow, the median home price in Massachusetts is nearly $650,000. For many people, their primary residence is their most valuable asset. A house can be the foundation of your estate. At the same time, a house can lead to a contentious dispute in probate if you do not have a proper plan… Read More »
Five Tips For Talking To Adult Children About Your Estate Plan
If you are a parent with adult children, they should be an important part of any discussions you might decide to have with regard to the design and distribution blueprint of your estate plan. Communication is key. At Fisher Law LLC, we are proud to be leaders in solutions-focused estate planning. Here, our Boston… Read More »
Can I Use A Trust To Protect Assets From Future Nursing Home Costs?
Asset protection is one of the most important parts of the estate planning process. Perhaps the biggest threat to your assets is future long-term care needs. When used proactively, trusts can help to protect your wealth from these costs. Here, our Norwood estate planning lawyer explains the key things to know about protecting assets… Read More »
Estate Planning And Specific Bequests: What Massachusetts Families Need To Know
Are you preparing your estate plan? You may be considering including some specific bequests. If so, it is imperative that your estate plan is properly prepared. At Fisher Law LLC, we help people and families navigate the full range of estate planning matters. Here, our Norwood estate planning attorney provides a guide to specific… Read More »
Do Retirement Accounts Go Through Probate In Massachusetts?
For most people in Massachusetts, their retirement savings (401(K), IRA, Roth IRA, etc.) are amongst their most valuable assets. You may wish to leave the proceeds of your retirement account to a spouse, child, grandchild, or other loved one as part of your estate plan. This raises an important question: Do retirement accounts go… Read More »
Why Special Needs Loved Ones Require Specialized Considerations In An Estate Plan
If you have a child, grandchild, or other close loved one with special needs, there are some unique estate planning considerations that you need to be aware of. Leaving money or property directly to a special needs loved one could undermine their eligibility for public benefits. The good news is that there are estate… Read More »
What The Latest Federal Legislation Means For The Estate Tax
In July, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. The wide-ranging law has some important implications for the federal estate tax. Most notably, it makes permanent the increased exemption threshold that was set to expire at the end of the year. At Fisher Law LLC, we handle estate tax matters…. Read More »