Recent Blog Posts
Can You Disinherit A Spouse In Massachusetts?
One of the core advantages of estate planning is that it allows you to assert control over what will happen to your own property and assets. With a will, trust, and other estate planning tools, you can effectively carry out your own wishes. You may be wondering: Can you disinherit a spouse in Massachusetts?… Read More »
Here Is Why You Should Have A HIPAA Release As Part Of Your Estate Plan In Massachusetts
A comprehensive estate plan is a must. With a well-designed estate plan, you can be confident that you and your family are properly protected. A HIPAA release is an important part of a modern estate plan—yet most people do not have one. According to data cited by Forbes Magazine, only 18 percent of Americans… Read More »
Power Of Attorney In Massachusetts: What You Can And Cannot Do
Power of attorney (POA) is an important estate planning document. As described by the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General, POA allows another person to act on your behalf in legal and financial matters. There could be a time when you cannot manage your own affairs—ensuring that a trusted loved one has power of attorney… Read More »
Estate Planning Tips For Long-Term Cohabitating Couples In Massachusetts
A growing number of couples are spending their lives together without ever technically getting married. The Pew Research Center reports that more than half of Americans live with a long-term, unmarried partner at some point during their lives. Long-term, unmarried couples have some unique estate planning needs. It is crucial that you and your… Read More »
An Overview Of Adult Guardianship Proceedings In Massachusetts
The need for a guardianship proceeding may be necessary when a person many not be able to manage their own affairs due to either mental or physical inabilities or limitations. It could be because of an illness, such as dementia, a disability, or some other major medical problem. In Massachusetts, a trusted loved one… Read More »
Long-Term Care Planning In Massachusetts: What Is A Medicaid Spend Down?
Long term care costs are almost unfathomably expensive—and they continue to rise. According to data from SeniorLiving, the average monthly cost of a private room in a nursing home in Massachusetts is now an astonishing $13,535. While this is a state average, in our area, private pay rate for skilled care can exceed $16,000… Read More »
Planning To Leave Money Or Property To Charity? Know Your Estate Planning Options
Leaving money or property to support a good cause is important to many people. According to data from the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), Americans gave nearly $500 billion to charitable causes in 2019 alone. With the proper estate planning strategy, you can be sure that your preferred charitable organization will get the absolute most… Read More »
The Small Business Owners’ Guide To Business Succession Planning In Massachusetts
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in Massachusetts. Many small business owners want to keep their company in the family for generations. Others may be looking to eventually transition out of the business. Regardless of your goals, it is imperative that you have a comprehensive business succession plan in place. Within this… Read More »
The #1 Way To Avoid Probate
Have you heard of probate? If so, you know that it’s something you want to avoid. If you are waiting on an inheritance, probate is the cause of the delay. Probate is the process of settling someone’s estate when they die and then distributing the remaining assets in accordance with either the decedent’s will… Read More »
Are Conditional Bequests Legal?
If you have recently lost a loved one, you may have learned about the contents of their will. You may have been surprised to learn that there were certain conditions or requirements on your ability to receive your inheritance. This is not very uncommon. In fact, many people place conditions on bequests in their… Read More »