One of the cornerstones of the estate planning process is preparing a valid and effective will. Wills are one of the best-known estate planning tools but few Massachusetts residents actually know what they can and cannot include in their testamentary documents. Like...
Estate Planning
Estate planning is for everyone
By now, readers of this Massachusetts-based legal blog know that an estate plan can be a beneficial tool for individuals to have prepared. It can help families protect their wealth and ensure that money goes where it is intended. It can also provide guidance to...
There are many reasons to have an estate plan
Estate planning is an often overlooked area of responsibility for many Massachusetts residents. While some individuals may not believe that they have enough money to justify creating estate plans, others may worry about getting their plans right and not offending any...
The benefits of a health-care proxy in an estate plan
No one wants to think about a future where they cannot make important decisions for themselves. Whether they are unavailable due to illness, injury, or death, a person who does not have control over their own prospects may have concerns over how their wishes for the...
The important elements of an effective estate plan
There are a variety of documents that are the foundation of an effective estate plan. An estate plan can be useful and important at any stage of life whether the estate planner is concerned about planning for their children or ensuring their assets are distributed how...
Planning for the possibility of losing a spouse
What would happen if one’s spouse were to pass away isn’t something people generally like to think about. This may tempt individuals to put off planning for this occurrence. A recent survey indicates that many people don’t have plans in place for responding to the...
When do you need an elder law attorney?
When you are healthy and young, it can be easy to put estate planning and long-term care to the side. However, as we age - or our parents age - careful planning becomes necessary. If you, your spouse or a parent has health issues, this type of planning may become...
Caring for a loved one can cause stress and health issues
As a caregiver, you are not alone. There are millions of individuals across the U.S. who provide care for spouses, parents and loved ones. However, the level of care needed to look after a loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia and similar incapacitating conditions can...
When should you update your estate plan?
When there are significant life events and changes in the law, it may be time to revisit your estate plan. But how do you know that it's time? What do you need to change? How soon should you make changes?In general, it is a good idea to revisit your estate plan once...
The risks of using a power of attorney when caring for a parent
When you have a power of attorney over an aging parent, it gives you the ability to make financial decisions in your parent's place. It does not give you absolute authority and power, however. If you take action without understanding your rights and responsibilities,...