When Mary was appointed as guardian for her elderly mother with dementia in 2022, she focused entirely on ensuring her mother received proper medical care and managing her daily needs. What Margaret unintentionally neglected was that Massachusetts law required her to file annual reports with the Probate and Family Court detailing her mother’s condition, living...
When Margaret was appointed personal representative of her father’s estate in Massachusetts, she assumed she could simply list his home and sell it to pay debts and distribute assets to beneficiaries. After all, she had been granted “full powers” in her Letters of Authority. However, when she contacted her probate attorney, she learned that her...
When you’re getting older, you might worry about paying for long term care (care at home, in the community, or at a nursing home). These costs can be very high and might force you to sell your home to pay for care. Two ways to protect your home are called a “life estate” and an...
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,...
What Are Digital Scammers? Digital scammers are people who try to steal your money or personal information using computers, phones, and the internet. They might pretend to be your bank, a family member, or even the adults and families who have lost a loved one. Why Scammers Target Families After Someone Dies When someone in...
Recently, one of our clients asked a question about property fraud in Massachusetts. They had heard something about it on the radio and weren’t sure if it was a real issue or not. If you own property in Massachusetts, you should be aware of quitclaim deed fraud. It sounds boring and technical but trust me—this...
When a loved one needs assistance managing their affairs, conservatorship may be necessary. However, many people don’t realize there are different types of conservatorships designed to address varying needs and situations. Two important options to understand are single transaction conservatorships and permanent conservatorships. What is a Conservatorship? A conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a...
The Concept A testamentary supplemental needs trust (SNT) is a specialized legal arrangement created within a person’s will that takes effect after they pass away. Unlike standard trusts, these are specifically designed for beneficiaries with disabilities or special needs who rely on government assistance programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The fundamental concept...
You just met with your lawyer and signed your living trust. Good job! But your work is not done yet. Unlike a Will which, after it is signed, can be stored away until needed, there are several important steps you need to take next with your trust. Think of signing the trust like buying a...
Did you know that when someone dies owning a home in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts puts an Estate Tax lien on that home? What is an Estate Tax Lien? A lien is a legal claim that says “you need to pay us before you can sell this house.” The Massachusetts Estate Tax lien arises...
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