Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Probate In Massachusetts: What Is A Voluntary Administration?
When a person passes away in Massachusetts, their estate must be settled before their property and assets can be passed down to their beneficiaries. An estate is resolved through the probate process. If you have heard anything about probate, you are probably aware that its reputation is that it can be a time-consuming, complicated,… Read More »
Why Communication Is A Key Part Of Estate Planning
Setting up an estate plan is one of the most important things that you can do to protect your future. Despite the importance of having a tailored and comprehensive estate plan, , the AARP estimates that 60 percent of individuals living in the United States lack these essential documents. Many people believe that it… Read More »
Estate Planning In Massachusetts: Can You Leave Money Directly To A Minor?
Did you know that many people lack an estate plan? According to data in a survey cited by the AARP, 60 percent of American adults do not have an estate plan in place. If you have an estate plan, you are ahead of most people. That being said, an improperly designed or outdated estate… Read More »
Does An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) Make Sense For My Estate Plan?
Life insurance can be part of estate planning. As simply explained by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), “life insurance provides financial protection for loved ones should the policyholder die.” There are some circumstances in which it may be advisable to put a life insurance policy into a type of trust called an… Read More »
Should Your Spouse Always Be Your Power Of Attorney (POA) In Massachusetts?
Every adult needs an estate plan that includes, at least, a Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney (a DPOA or POA), Health Care Proxy, HIPAA Authorization and an Advanced Directive or Living Will. A well-designed estate plan should plan for various contingencies, such as an individual named in the Will not being… Read More »
How A Comprehensive Estate Plan Can Help You Cover Future Long-Term Care Costs
Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states for long-term care in the entire country. According to data from Senior Living, the average monthly cost of a private room in a nursing home is now $13,535. It is an astounding figure. A few years (or even months) of long-term care needs could quickly eat… Read More »
My Close Loved One Passed Away Without A Will In Massachusetts—What Happens Now?
Did your family member or close loved one pass away without a will? It is an issue that many Massachusetts families have gone through. The AARP reports that 6 in 10 U.S. adults lack a will. You may be wondering: What happens to the estate of a person who dies with no will? The… Read More »
Clearing Up Six Misconceptions About Estate Planning In Massachusetts
Did you know that six in ten U.S. adults lack an estate plan? It is an alarming number. The right estate plan can provide much needed legal and financial protection for you and your family. There are many myths about estate planning. At Fisher Law LLC, we are an estate planning firm devoted to… Read More »
Is A Revocable Living Trust Right For Me? Considerations For People In Massachusetts
Every adult in Massachusetts should have a well-calibrated estate plan in place. The right estate plan could include a revocable living trust. The American Bar Association (ABA) explains that a revocable living trust is a trust arrangement that you create within your lifetime that you retain control over. Here, our Norwood estate planning lawyers… Read More »
Does A Child Inherit Their Parent’s Debt In Massachusetts?
Are you concerned about debt? You are far from alone. According to data from CNBC, nearly three quarters of Americans rank debt as their top source of stress. Debt is something that needs to be considered during the estate planning process. You may be wondering: Do children inherit their parents’ debt? The answer is… Read More »