Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Makes A Will Legally Valid In Massachusetts?
Do you have a will? You should. Every adult in Massachusetts can benefit from not only drafting a will, but from setting up a comprehensive (personalized) estate plan. This raises an important question: What do you need to do to make a will legally valid? Here, our Boston estate planning attorney provides an overview… Read More »
Four Mistakes To Avoid When Dealing With Creditors In Probate In Massachusetts
Debt is a huge concern for many people and families. According to the most recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans have a collective $17 trillion of consumer debt. Dealing with debt (creditor claims) is often a key part of the probate process. Too many people make avoidable errors when… Read More »
Should I Create A Living Will?
As we age, estate planning becomes ever more important. A well-constructed estate plan can protect you, your family, and your finances—no matter what tomorrow brings. A Living Will is often a key estate planning document. You may be wondering: Do I need a Living Will? Here, our Boston estate planning attorneys answer the question… Read More »
Estate Planning In Massachusetts: What Is A Testamentary Trust?
A well-structured estate plan should be comprehensive. It should prepare you and your family for the future—no matter what might happen. Most people in Massachusetts can benefit from setting up a trust. There are several different types of trusts. A testamentary trust is a trust that you can create with your Will. In this… Read More »
Can An Unmarried Partner Claim Assets Through Intestate Succession Massachusetts?
When a person dies in the Commonwealth, their estate will need to be settled so that their property and assets can go to the appropriate heirs. This generally happens through a process called probate. Probate is simply the court supervised process for the transferring property ownership after someone has died. During probate, a person’s… Read More »
Can You Use Power Of Attorney (POA) To Revise Or Revoke A Will In Massachusetts?
Every adult in Massachusetts should have a comprehensive, well-rounded estate plan in place. A Will is a foundational document in any estate plan. Other documents—including a Durable Power of Attorney ( a “DPOA” or “POA”)—are also key parts of an estate plan. You may be wondering whether the person named in the DPOA, which… Read More »
Estate Planning: Does A Trust Fully Protect Assets From Creditors?
Asset protection is a core part of estate planning. When used properly, a trust can be one of the most effective and efficient asset protection tools. You may be wondering: Will a trust fully protect assets from creditors? The answer is “it depends on what type of trust you have—only some types of trusts… Read More »
Is Your Child A Current Or Soon-To-Be College Student? Four Reasons That You Should Help Them Set Up An Estate Plan
While every adult should have a comprehensive estate plan, the vast majority of adults, young and old, do not have one. A recent survey found that 8 in 10 adults under 40 lack a Will. If you are the parent of a college student or soon-to-be college student, helping them create a simple estate… Read More »
Report: Big Increase In Nursing Home And Long-Term Care Costs Expected
The cost of a private room in a nursing home is almost unfathomably high. Senior Living estimates that it is $13,500 per month in Massachusetts in 2023—the second highest for any state in the Continental U.S., behind only Connecticut. Our clients report to us, however, that the typical cost for long-term nursing care is… Read More »
Probate In Massachusetts: What To Know About Creditor Notification Requirements
When a person passes away in Massachusetts, their estate must be administered wherein creditors claims are satisfied, taxes (if any) and expenses paid, and then remaining assets distributed. The estate administration process, which may involve filing the decedent’s Last Will and Testament for probate, has many steps. In this article, our Norwood probate lawyers… Read More »