Recently, the Boston Globe reported that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court handed down a major ruling affecting the future inheritance rights of families, and in this case specifically, blended families. In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that spouses are entitled to one-third of their deceased spouses’ estate – effectively cancelling out the late spouse’s...
Going to the hospital for a procedure can be stressful and, at times, confusing. A hospital will usually ask you if you have a Health Care Proxy (HCP) in place. If you do not have an HCP, or are unsure, they will ask you to sign a simple Massachusetts HCP form. As you are probably...
You may be a little bit older and wiser, but marrying again is still full of excitement and anticipation. However, second marriages, particularly if there are children involved from your previous marriage, present their own unique issues when it comes to your estate plan. Even in the best of “step-family” situations, allowing your new spouse...
Whenever we purchase a life insurance policy, open a mutual fund, or enroll in a company retirement plan, we are usually asked to designate a beneficiary. After naming these individuals, we never give it much thought again. Maybe you’ve named your spouse, one of your parents or your children. After your death, these assets are...
We speak with our clients often about the importance of good estate planning – making sure that they have their Last Will and Testament (Will) in place, as well as their other documents such as Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Will and HIPAA Authorization and Release Form. However, just as important as...
Aretha Franklin reportedly did not have a Will or Trust at the time of death. Aretha Franklin’s final wishes may not get the respect they deserve. It was reported in the news that legendary singer, Aretha Franklin, did not have a will or trust at the time of her passing. According to the Detroit Free...
Nurse Attorney Brings Legal and Health Care Expertise to the Role Sudbury, MA. January 15, 2018 – The Massachusetts chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) announces its appointment of Cathleen Summers to its board of directors. Together with her husband Philip, Ms. Summers founded Bay State Elder Law in 2003. The firm’s...
You may have heard from friends, especially from those who have gone through it, Probate is a major headache and you should try to avoid it for your estate. Why is that, and is going through Probate really that bad? Read on to see if these potential landmines may be a cause for concern to...
The holidays are a time when families and friends, who come from both far and near, have a chance to gather and reconnect. This can mean visiting with a loved one that you may have not seen for an extended period of time. Age-related decline can happen quickly and, in many cases, seniors are skilled...
It is undeniable that we are a digital economy. According to Pew Research Center, approximately 87% of our population uses the internet. This means that an overwhelming majority of Americans are relying on electronic networks for regular methods of communication, organization and life management. But what happens when we die? Traditional estate plans focus on...
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