Healthcare Proxy - Why you need one in Massachusetts
Attorney Todd C. Ratner explains the significance of a Health Care Proxy and what should be included within the document. 413.781.0560; TRatner@BaconWilson.com
View ArticleDurable Power of Attorney - Why would I hand over control of my finances?
Watch this video to learn what a durable power of attorney is, what it does, and why you need one. Attorney Todd C. Ratner: 413.781.0560, TRatner@BaconWilson.com
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The ABC’s of Charitable Remainder Trusts
In 1969, the United States Congress formed a trust vehicle that allowed a donor to direct some of his or her assets to a qualified charity or not-for-profit organization in return for noteworthy...
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Avoiding probate - tips to prevent costly, public procedures when you die
There are several ways to avoid probate. Normally, assets in your name alone are the only assets that pass through probate. Therefore, if assets are held jointly, have a named beneficiary, or...
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Post-death planning - anticipating the tax implications on your estate and...
After you die, your loved ones must make several important decisions, most of which have specific time frames and limitations. It is important that upon death, the named Executor under your Will, or...
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When your Health Proxy and Power Of Attorney agents disagree about your care
There has been some discussion recently relative to the workings of a Health Proxy (HCP) and a Power of Attorney (POA.) While the HCP agent attends to all medical decisions regarding the principal,...
View ArticleWill, Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney, & Homestead Declaration
Your Will, Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney, & Homestead Declaration are four estate planning documents you need right now. They assure that your affairs will be handled according to...
View ArticlePet Estate Planning - Ensuring continued care for your non-human loved ones
You can't yet draft a trust for the benefit of your pet when you become incapacitated or die in Massachusetts, but there is a way to protect them and ensure they continue to receive the same level of...
View ArticleHow to Avoid Guardianship & Conservatorship
Guardianship & Conservatorship are legal processes that are expensive, time-consuming and public. Learn how to prevent them with the use of 2 simple documents. Gina M. Barry, 413.781.0560,...
View ArticleDeed with Life Estate
A deed with life estate is a legal document that can help protect your home by passing it outright to your hiers when you die, thereby avoiding probate. It can also help protect your home from being...
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When your child turns 18 - the legal and medical ramifications of capacity
Once your child becomes 18, he is a legal adult, and he should have an estate plan including a health proxy, power of attorney, and a Will. Because he has now reached maturity, HIPPA prevents you, as...
View ArticleGuardianship of Minor Children: Your Very Important Decision
You are most qualified to decide who should take care of your minor children if something happens to you, so it's wise to take steps now. Todd C. Ratner, Esq. TRater@BaconWilson.com, 413.781.0560This...
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Special needs trusts – what are they and how are they used?
Providing support for people with disabilities requires special estate planning. If you have a disabled child, relative or friend, there is some essential information you should have regarding special...
View ArticleYour health care agent - having that tough conversation
The health care agent you designate in your health care proxy may have to make some tough decisions regarding your care. It is important to select someone who is willing to carry out your wishes. This...
View ArticleRemarriage estate planning: things to consider
This video explains some of the many things you need to consider before getting remarried: a prenuptial agreement, insurance concerns, social security benefits, changes to your Will, and the impact of...
View ArticlePreserving assets from a nursing home - advance planning over crisis planning
Clients often come to us in a crisis situation when a loved one is entering a nursing home, asking what they can do to preserve their assets. This video explains what can be done at that time and why...
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When you don't want your co-parent to become guardian
As an estate planning attorney, I am often confronted with a single parent who doesn’t want the other parent to obtain custody of their joint child(ren) upon my client’s death. Generally, unless there...
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Estate Planning Myth #1: “If I have a valid Will, my estate does not have to...
Many people believe that having a Will means that their estate will not have to be probated when they pass away, and this is inaccurate.A Will is a document that, in part, gives instructions as to how...
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Estate Planning Myth #2: “I can give away $10,000 to as many people as I want...
Another common estate planning myth is one that emanates from the gift tax system. In 2010, the rule with respect to gift tax is that you may give up to $13,000 to as many people as you want without...
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Estate Planning Myth #3: “I can give away assets when I enter a nursing home...
When faced with a nursing home bill of approximately $8,000 per month, many people wish to obtain Medicaid benefits to pay for this care. In order to obtain Medicaid benefits, an asset limit must be...
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