Clik here to view.
Estate planning for same-sex and unmarried couples and singles
There are many unique legal issues to consider relative to the estate planning process for same sex couples, couples who have not decided to get married, and single people. Although many of the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Guardianship of minors – decide ahead to prevent sticky family battles
Normally, when you think of a guardianship or conservatorship, you likely think of a person being in charge of another’s personal and financial affairs. You probably assume that most of these...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Selecting the best option for college savings
There are several alternatives to paying for college education. In one of the most popular scenarios, a family pays out of pocket from disposable income and if necessary, obtains loans from any...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Elder law figures for 2012
Every year, the government establishes new numbers and thresholds as allowances for people who are elderly and receive benefits. For the first time in a couple years, the Social Security Administration...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Adoptions – not just for children
In many states, the words child, children, or issue means biological and sometimes adopted children. Very seldom is a child within a will or trust construed to be a child with rights to inherit if they...
View ArticleI won the lottery! Now what?
Winning the lottery is fantastic news, but before your claim that prize, stop, don't sign the ticket, put it in a safe deposit box, and call your lawyer. This video will explain why that's critically...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Taking over your parent’s finances - a slippery slope if not handled correctly
If you’re reading this article you’ve probably had to take care of your parent to some extent in the past, or perhaps you will have to in the future. When your parent or anyone else becomes ill or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
2012: the year to gift. A gift and estate tax update.
In the spirit of consolidating your financial house, since you’re likely wrapping up your 2011 taxes, now is a great time to go one step further and review your gift and estate tax options as well....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Charitable Giving and Medicaid Issues: When does generosity disqualify you in...
It is common for people to want to make gifts and transfers to various charities during their lifetime. These gifts could consist of stock, cash, life insurance, etc. As people become older, they...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New financial scam plays on grandparents’ emotion
A new scam is hitting grandparents right where they may be most vulnerable, their own grandchildren’s safety and well being. If a grandparent receives a call from a grandchild in trouble, they would...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Elders and driving: a rock and a hard place: the delicate balance between...
Every so often there is an article or news item that features an elder driver who has had an unfortunate accident. We hear reports of drivers who hit the wrong pedal or lost control of the car and then...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Asset protection tools: private annuities and promissory notes
Until recently, if you entered a long-term care facility and wanted to apply for MassHealth, you would have to purchase a commercially offered annuity in order to qualify for Masshealth sooner than if...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Beware the danger of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) estate planning
The recent sophistication of software has contributed to an increase in homegrown estate planning. These mass marketers of legal services misinform people into thinking that they are saving money and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Medicaid planning - making smart decisions to preserve your assets
While married individuals have plenty of benefits and options available to preserve their assets, while also securing Medicaid eligibility, a single person may not have quite the same opportunities....
View ArticleClik here to view.
What is the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act?
Massachusetts has adopted the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which authorizes you to make an anatomical gift of all or any part of your body. Anatomical gifts become effective upon your death and are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What to do when your spouse dies
Upon any family member’s death, especially your spouse, there is significant emotion that you will face, socially and psychologically. In addition, the financial implications of the loss of your spouse...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Planning for posthumously conceived children in your estate plan
Most individuals would never think to plan for an unborn child in their estate plan. However there may be circumstances where it is necessary to have a clause in your will providing for posthumously...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hoarding behaviors – getting help for this dangerous and hazardous behavior
Many people have seen the television program about hoarding, and they often make fun of those people and wonder how that could happen. Unfortunately, this is a fairly frequent problem that is seen...
View ArticleDNR/Do Not Resuscitate: how is it different than a health proxy?
Why do I need a DNR? Don't I already have this covered in my health care proxy? Find out in this video from Hyman G. Darling, Esq., 413.781.0560, HDarling@BaconWilson.com This video has been...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Vacation? Establish an estate plan before your trip
Vacation season is upon us, and it seems that everyone is planning to get away. Are you planning a trip? Is your estate plan up to date? Many people contact their lawyer within days of taking their...
View Article