ARTICLES

AllGuardian and ConservatorsLong Term PlanningProbate and Estate AdminstrationAnnouncementsMedicaid PlanningWills, Trusts, and Estate PlanningCrisis Planning
Revocable Trusts Are for Everyone

Revocable Trusts Are for Everyone

When most people hear the term “trust,” they immediately picture wealthy families with vast estates and complex financial portfolios. This common misconception leads many to dismiss trusts as irrelevant to their own financial planning. However, revocable living trusts offer significant benefits for people across all income levels and life situations. What Is a Revocable Trust?...
Massachusetts ADU Law: A New Avenue for Generational Living

Massachusetts ADU Law: A New Avenue for Generational Living

Massachusetts recently passed legislation regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), creating new opportunities for homeowners and families across the state. This change represents a significant shift in housing policy that could help address multiple challenges facing communities today. What Are ADUs and What Does the New Law Allow? Accessory Dwelling Units, commonly known as ADUs, are...
The Corporate Transparency Act: What You Need to Know About BOI Reporting

The Corporate Transparency Act: What You Need to Know About BOI Reporting

While enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting has been suspended since December 2024, a February 18, 2025 decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas allows the reporting requirements to again be in effect. Business owners must understand and comply with the CTA...
The Durable Power of Attorney with Immediate Effect

The Durable Power of Attorney with Immediate Effect

A durable power of attorney (DPOA) that takes effect immediately is a vital estate planning tool that grants someone legal authority to act on your behalf while you’re still alive. Unlike a springing power of attorney that only activates upon incapacity, an immediate DPOA becomes effective as soon as you sign it. Key Features An...
A Lasting Impact – Add Charitable Giving to Your Estate Plan

A Lasting Impact – Add Charitable Giving to Your Estate Plan

Let’s face it – estate planning isn’t exactly the most exciting topic. But if you’re passionate about making a difference in the world, including charitable giving in your estate plan can be a powerful way to create positive change that lasts well beyond your lifetime. Whether you’re just starting to think about your legacy or...
Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Account Beneficiary Designations

Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Account Beneficiary Designations

Clients will often ask us “How can I avoid having my kids in a situation where they need to probate my estate?”  Beneficiary designations that directly transfer assets like life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts upon death, is one option that can be used. However, several issues can complicate these seemingly straightforward arrangements. Outdated...
Legacy: The Gift of Purposeful Living

Legacy: The Gift of Purposeful Living

The holiday season, with its gatherings of family and friends, naturally turns our thoughts into deeper matters. As we sit around tables laden with traditional dishes, exchange gifts, and share stories both old and new, we often find ourselves contemplating our place in the family and community history. What legacy are we creating? What impact...
When It is Better Not to Gift: Waiting Could Save Your Family Money

When It is Better Not to Gift: Waiting Could Save Your Family Money

Have you ever heard the saying “it’s better to give than to receive”? When it comes to taxes, that’s not always true. Before you rush to give away your valuable assets to your children or grandchildren, let’s break down why waiting might save your family a bundle in taxes. The Magic of the “Step-Up”: A...
The Corporate Transparency Act: What You Need to Know About BOI Reporting

While enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting has been suspended since December 2024, a February 18, 2025 decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas allows the reporting requirements to again be in effect. Business owners must understand and comply with the CTA...

When It is Better Not to Gift: Waiting Could Save Your Family Money

Have you ever heard the saying “it’s better to give than to receive”? When it comes to taxes, that’s not always true. Before you rush to give away your valuable assets to your children or grandchildren, let’s break down why waiting might save your family a bundle in taxes. The Magic of the “Step-Up”: A...

Maximizing Your Legacy: Estate Planning Can Reduce Estate Tax Exposure

Estate taxes can significantly impact the wealth you’ve worked hard to accumulate over your lifetime, potentially reducing the amount you can pass on to your heirs. However, with careful estate planning, it’s possible to minimize your estate tax exposure and maximize the legacy you leave behind. This blog post explores various strategies that can help...

How to Choose a Trustee

For many people, a trust is an integral part of a thorough and effective estate plan. Whether it is designed to avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, or protect assets, it is important that a trust is administered as instructed in the trust document to ensure that it serves its purpose. Therefore, one of the most...

Don’t Let the Nursing Home Take Your Stimulus Check!

The Office of Attorney General’s Office in Massachusetts has issued an informational advisory to all residents of nursing home facilities (also known as long-term care facilities) and their family members.  They want everyone to know that the recent Stimulus payments, also known as economic impact payment made under the CARES Act, are property to the...

Musings from a Reformed Hugger

How Coronavirus has changed the way we say “hello” I’m a hugger, there is just no getting around it.  When I meet someone I know, my first inclination is to give them a hug.  It’s my way of saying how happy I am to see the person and to convey the message that they are...