ARTICLES

Five Smart Ways to Plan for your Grandchildren’s Financial Future

Five Smart Ways to Plan for your Grandchildren’s Financial Future

Becoming a grandparent is a major milestone for many.  We often hear clients describe the incredible joy that they experience holding their grandchild for the first time.  Whether you’re a rookie grandparent, or a seasoned pro, you’re most likely considering taking a new direction and setting new goals with respect to your estate plan. Perhaps...
Your Documents are Signed – Now What?

Your Documents are Signed – Now What?

As we wrap up estate plan document signings, there is often a sigh of relief from clients who say, “I’m so glad that is taken care of!” But before you check off your to-do list, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that your estate plan is ready for future action. 1....
Buyer Beware: Letting a Nursing Home Complete Your Medicaid Application

Buyer Beware: Letting a Nursing Home Complete Your Medicaid Application

It all sounds too good to be true.  The nursing home offers to prepare and submit your Medicaid Application (called MassHealth in Massachusetts) to get your loved one qualified, free of charge.   Good deal, right? Well, you may want to think twice before accepting this offer. Moving a loved one into a nursing home Moving...
When Do I Need an Elder Law Attorney to Help with Medicaid Planning?

When Do I Need an Elder Law Attorney to Help with Medicaid Planning?

Medicaid (called “MassHealth” in Massachusetts) can help pay for long term care either at home or in a nursing home. If you think MassHealth will be needed in your or your loved one’s future, it’s always best to plan ahead. Five Year Look-back If you apply for MassHealth benefits, the state has the right to...
Top 3 MassHealth Planning Mistakes

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...
No Thanks – Disclaiming an Inheritance

No Thanks – Disclaiming an Inheritance

You’ve just found out that you are going to receive an inheritance.  A loved one or a friend has left you a bequest as part of their estatewhat a wonderful gift.  While it seems unlikely, there are situations where it makes sense for a beneficiary to not receive their inheritance.   Why would someone do this...
Medicaid Program Options for Your Loved One

Medicaid Program Options for Your Loved One

When health issues arise that require a high level of care, some folks are finding success with receiving Medicaid  (known as MassHealth in Massachusetts) home care instead of moving to a nursing home. There are different qualifications to be eligible for home care versus nursing home care – we broke down the differences. Home Care...
Who’s Who in Estate Planning

Who’s Who in Estate Planning

When working with your estate planning attorney, you want to make sure you’re putting the right people in the right positions. Therefore, it’s important to understand the common terms for the players in your estate plan. Who does what in Estate Planning? Fiduciary: All persons or financial institutions (i.e. a bank or company) who act...
Choosing an Adult Child as Your Personal Representative

Creating a Will requires many important decisions.  One of the most significant is naming a Personal Representative (PR) to manage and settle your estate after you pass.  The responsibilities of a PR (sometime referred to as an Executor or Executrix) are significant, including making decisions about how your assets are managed and distributed to your...