ARTICLES

When Your Child’s IEP Is Not Working: Should You Hire a Special Education Advocate or Attorney?

When Your Child’s IEP Is Not Working: Should You Hire a Special Education Advocate or Attorney?

For many parents, navigating special education can feel overwhelming. Understanding the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts special education law, IEP meetings, evaluations, and school procedures can quickly become confusing. When questions or concerns come up, parents often know they need support but are unsure whether they should work with a...
Back to School: Is Your Child’s IEP Ready for a Successful Year?

Back to School: Is Your Child’s IEP Ready for a Successful Year?

By Lisa Paige, Esq. Summer often feels like it goes by in the blink of an eye. Before families know it, backpacks are packed, classrooms are assigned, and a new school year begins. For children with IEPs and their families, the start of school can bring excitement, but it can also bring questions. Will my...
Understanding Competency Documents: A Simple Guide

Understanding Competency Documents: A Simple Guide

When people need to prove they are mentally or physically capable of making decisions, working, or handling certain responsibilities, competency documents come into play. These forms are commonly used in healthcare, legal, and workplace settings. Below is a simple overview of the most common ones and when they are used. 1. Letter of Competency What...
Probate Closing in Massachusetts: Understanding Your Options

Probate Closing in Massachusetts: Understanding Your Options

Closing a probate estate in Massachusetts is the final milestone in settling a loved one’s affairs. It’s the point when the court acknowledges that debts have been handled, assets have been distributed, and the personal representative’s work is complete. But in Massachusetts, not every estate closes the same way. The court offers several different methods...
Consider Naming your Favorite Charity(ies) as Beneficiary of your IRA

Consider Naming your Favorite Charity(ies) as Beneficiary of your IRA

Naming a charity as the beneficiary of your IRA can be one of the most tax‑efficient ways to support a cause you care about. It’s a simple change on a beneficiary form, but it can dramatically reduce taxes and increase what ultimately goes to your heirs and your favorite organizations. Why IRAs Are “Tax-Heavy” for...
Should You Name Your Trust as the Beneficiary of Your IRA?

Should You Name Your Trust as the Beneficiary of Your IRA?

Many people assume their trust should be the beneficiary of all assets, including IRAs. But retirement accounts are different, and naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can sometimes create unexpected tax problems. The Main Tradeoff Naming individuals directly as IRA beneficiaries is often more tax efficient. Naming a trust can provide better protection and...
5 Signs Your Child May Need Additional Special Education Support

5 Signs Your Child May Need Additional Special Education Support

When your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, it’s meant to grow and change right along with them. As kids develop, their strengths, challenges, and learning needs evolve. If the supports in place no longer match what your child needs to thrive, it may be time to revisit the plan. Remember: every child has...
Prepaid Funeral Contracts vs. Burial Savings Accounts: What’s the Real Difference?

Prepaid Funeral Contracts vs. Burial Savings Accounts: What’s the Real Difference?

Planning ahead for end‑of‑life expenses isn’t exactly a fun weekend activity, but it is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family. Two of the most common tools people consider are prepaid funeral contracts and burial savings accounts. They sound similar, but they work very differently — and choosing the right one...
Getting Help in Place Before the Crisis Hits

Most of us don’t like to think about it, but medical emergencies become more likely as we age. A fall at home, a sudden illness, or a gradual decline in abilities can quickly transform an independent life into one requiring immediate support. The key to navigating these challenges successfully isn’t just having good medical insurance,...

The Significance of Estate Planning in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Estate planning is crucial for everyone, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it carries additional significance and complexity. Despite important legal victories like marriage equality, many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples still face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their assets, healthcare decisions, and ensuring their wishes are respected. Why Estate Planning Is Particularly...

Top 3 MassHealth Planning Mistakes

Having MassHealth pay for your care as you age can be an invaluable service. If you think you or a loved one may need MassHealth benefits in the future, there are some things you can do to in advance to meet the eligibility requirements. We’ve compiled the top three most common mistakes well-meaning individuals can...

Financial Abuse of Aging Individuals

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, so let’s talk about financial abuse against aging individuals – an issue that costs this population billions of dollars every year. Common types of Scams Targeting the Aging Population Technical Scams Along with the pandemic and resulting quarantine, members of our aging population have been isolated more...

Flying Solo: Life Plans for Solo Agers

Nurse Attorney Cathleen Summers talks to solo agers about the importance of reaching out to others and creating a life plan so you don’t feel lonely or isolated. Introduction 1:07 – Statistics of Solo Agers 2:30 – What a Life Plan is and what it covers 5:00 – Health & health care issues 8:50 –...