Tag: Estate Planning
“Linda Smyth has spent more than 20 years fighting her way through a complicated maze of paperwork, assessments and denials in the attempt to secure services for her son, who is on the autism spectrum.” Working to get her son assessed to qualify for support programs, fighting to get benefits and finding therapists became a […]
“The disadvantages of do-it-yourself elder law estate planning are costly errors, omissions and neglecting protections.” What usually happens when people do their own estate planning or work on elder law issues, without a lawyer who has years of practice? They may not incur the costs on the front end, but the costs, in financial and […]
“No longer staid and boring, retirement homes offer dynamic options for seniors. Retirement communities are continually improving, by keeping seniors active with mental and physical exercises, while intertwining independent living and hands-on care.” At some point in life, many people face the decision of moving into a retirement home or welcoming in-home care. Living in […]
“Planning for your farm’s future has never been more urgent. With one-third of United States farmers older than age 65, it’s estimated that 70% of farmland will change hands in the next 15 years.” Have you figured out who will take over the family farm? Are you or your parents prepared to transition the farm […]
“As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s meaningful to reflect on the origin of the holiday–Native Americans and pilgrims sharing their bounty of food with each other. As you gather with your loved ones this year, perhaps you can think of ways to share not only your dinner, but also your financial bounty.” For many families, the holiday […]
“The personal representative (formerly executor) of the deceased’s estate may be responsible for filing a number of tax returns.” When a person dies, their assets are gathered, their debts are paid, business affairs are settled and assets are distributed, as directed by their will. If there is no will, the intestate laws of their state […]
“More than likely, most people may not want to envision a time spent in court, arguing with siblings and other family members, or fighting with financial institutions and health providers to uphold end-of-life wishes and the management of personal assets. The problems aren’t always evident when the first parent passes. Often, it’s when the second […]
“Does a Power of Attorney ever lapse? What happens if I change my mind and want to take the Power of Attorney back? Can the Power of Attorney refuse to return the authority?” These are all good questions, as Powers of Attorney (POA) are some of the most commonly used estate planning documents and they […]
“Springfield, Mass. is known as the “City of Firsts.” It is called the “Birthplace of Basketball” and is home of the first gas-powered car.” This summer, Springfield, Massachusetts became the first place to receive three marks of “age-friendliness,” as designated by a global initiative of the World Health Organization. This town in western Massachusetts, with […]
“When the first spouse dies, the surviving spouse may not remain as close with his or her stepchildren. Small irritations which were overlooked during the lifetime of the spouse who died, may become outright disputes.” Estate planning for blended families is like playing chess in three dimensions: even those who are very good at chess […]
