ARTICLES

Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your House: A Massachusetts Homeowner’s Guide to Quitclaim Deed Fraud

Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your House: A Massachusetts Homeowner’s Guide to Quitclaim Deed Fraud

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...
Single Transaction Conservatorship vs. Permanent Conservatorship: Understanding Your Options

Single Transaction Conservatorship vs. Permanent Conservatorship: Understanding Your Options

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...
Testamentary Supplemental Needs Trusts: Concept and Value in Estate Planning

Testamentary Supplemental Needs Trusts: Concept and Value in Estate Planning

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...
What to Do After You Sign Your Revocable Living Trust

What to Do After You Sign Your Revocable Living Trust

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...
Removing a Mass Estate Tax Lien to Sell Your Home

Removing a Mass Estate Tax Lien to Sell Your Home

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...
Protecting Your Home from a Massachusetts Medicaid Lien

Protecting Your Home from a Massachusetts Medicaid Lien

For many Massachusetts residents, their home represents their most valuable asset and a legacy they hope to pass on to future generations. However, when applying for Massachusetts’ Medicaid program (MassHealth) to cover long-term care costs, many are surprised to learn that their home may be at risk due to a potential MassHealth’s lien or estate...
The Significance of Estate Planning in the LGBTQIA+ Community

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...
Health Care Proxy vs. HIPAA Authorization

Health Care Proxy vs. HIPAA Authorization

When preparing an estate plan, we recommend that clients execute both a Health Care Proxy and an Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (a “HIPAA Authorization”). While there is some overlap between the two, it is important to understand the purpose of each document and how and when they can be used. Example Joan...
Your Vacation Home is a Treasured Heirloom

Vacation homes can mean many different things:  the center of cherished family memories; a reliable vacation spot; an investment for now and in the future.  Passing your beloved vacation property to future generations takes careful planning.  Not surprising, there is no one-size-fits-all planning option to ensure that this treasured real estate is protected from challenges...

3 Legal Documents Young Adults Need

Whether it be heading off to college, a gap year, or entering into the workforce, once our kids reach the age of eighteen, they enter the world as “adults” and are no longer legal minors. We can only hope that we have fully prepared our children for what lies ahead, however there is always the...

Whom Do You Trust?

One of the most important aspects of creating an estate plan is selecting trusted people to act on your behalf in the event you are unable to make do so for yourself. These individuals, known as fiduciaries, carry out your wishes based on authority granted in a Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy. The...

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...

4 Common Types of Trusts

Understanding the types of trust that are available and discussing your goals and wishes with your estate planning attorney should be accomplished before you settle on which type of trust is best for you.  A Guide to Some Common Types of Trusts As discussed in our blog, “Trusts, not Just for the Rich and Famous”,...