Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Joint Tenancy Vs. Tenancy In Common In Massachusetts: What Is The Difference?
If you own property with another person, whether a spouse, sibling, business partner, or friend, the way that ownership is titled matters more than most people realize. Two of the most common forms of co-ownership in Massachusetts are joint tenancy and tenancy in common, and the difference between them can shape what happens to… Read More »
What Is A Testamentary Trust And When Should Massachusetts Residents Use One?
Most people have heard of a will. Many have heard of a trust. But a testamentary trust occupies a specific and useful space between the two that does not always get the attention it deserves. If you are working on an estate plan in Massachusetts and trying to figure out which tools make sense… Read More »
Know The Alternatives To An Adult Guardianship In Massachusetts
An adult guardianship puts a trusted person in charge of managing the affairs of a vulnerable person. However, Massachusetts law only allows for adult guardianship when it is truly necessary. The Commonwealth strongly favors less restrictive alternatives. Here, our Boston adult guardianship attorney provides an overview of the alternative options in Massachusetts. An Overview… Read More »
Estate Planning For Young Families In The Greater Boston Area: Where To Start
If you recently had a child, bought a home, or found yourself thinking more seriously about the future, you may have wondered whether it is time to put an estate plan in place. For young families in the Greater Boston area, the answer is almost always yes, and the sooner the better. Estate planning… Read More »
Does Massachusetts Have A Digital Asset Inheritance Law? What You Should Know
Think about everything you do online. You may have a social media presence, cloud-stored photos going back years, online bank accounts, cryptocurrency, subscription services, and email inboxes full of personal and financial correspondence. Have you ever stopped to wonder what happens to all of it when you pass away? The answer may surprise you,… Read More »
What Is The MassHealth Look-Back Period And How Does It Affect Your Planning?
Have you ever wondered why so many people start long-term care planning years before they think they will need it? The answer often comes down to one rule: the MassHealth look-back period. If you are exploring how to protect your home and savings while still qualifying for nursing home benefits, understanding this rule is… Read More »
Does Non-Probate Property Count For The Massachusetts Estate Tax?
Massachusetts has an estate tax that applies to estates that are valued at $2 million or higher. Notably, non-probate property still counts towards the estate tax. Within this article, our Boston estate planning attorney explains the key things to know about non-probate property and the Massachusetts estate tax. Massachusetts Estate Tax Applies to More… Read More »
Your Guide To Health Care Proxy In Massachusetts
There may come a time when you will not be able to handle your own health care decision making. A living will helps to guide your health care proxy in making health-related decision in order to ensure that your wishes are followed by doctors and other medical providers. It is not a legally binding… Read More »
Can You Set Up A Lady Bird Deed In Massachusetts?
Broadly defined, a Lady Bird deed is a specialized type of real estate deed that, among other things, states who will inherit the property when the owner of it dies. Lady Bird deeds are only allowed in a minority of states. Massachusetts does not allow Lady Bird deeds. However, there are alternative options available…. Read More »
Top Three Business Succession Planning Mistakes To Avoid In Massachusetts
Are you a small business owner in Norfolk County or elsewhere in the Greater Boston area? If so, it is crucial that you have a comprehensive succession plan in place. At Fisher Law LLC, we have extensive experience with succession planning for small businesses. Here, our Norwood business succession planning attorney highlights the top… Read More »