Salem Massachusetts Estate Planning Law Blog
What is required for a will to be valid?
A will is an important part of most estate plans. Because it is typically a foundational component of the estate planner’s estate plan, and of achieving their wishes, estate planners should be familiar with the requirements for a will to be valid. What makes a will...
Using a special needs trust
As most residents of the Boston area know, Medicaid is a federal economic assistance program that is designed to provide financial help to persons with disabilities and limited income. In order to qualify for Medicaid, a person’s income and assets cannot exceed the...
Medicaid planning can include irrevocable trusts
Salem area residents may already know that a stay in a nursing home can be extremely costly. They may want to utilize Medicaid benefits to help pay for long-term care but may be concerned that they will have to deplete their assets to qualify, leaving their heirs with...
Careful planning for incapacity helps estate planners and family
The importance of planning for incapacity cannot be overstated. Planning for incapacity in advance can be helpful for estate planners and their loved ones if the estate planner becomes incapacitated at some point. Incapacity can make it difficult, or impossible, for...
Courts to Begin Gradual Reopening
Last week, the Supreme Judicial Court issued its third updated order on court proceedings during the COVID-19 emergency. At long last, courts will begin a gradual reopening process to the public, with more in-person hearings being scheduled after July 13, 2020. The...
An estate plan can reduce the possibility of sibling discourse
There are many families in the Salem area who have taken the time to create an estate plan. For those who haven’t, they may know the reasons why an estate plan is a good idea but haven’t had the time yet. To add to the list of reasons why an estate plan is important...
Why You Need a Health Care Proxy and How to Carefully Choose Your Agent
A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to choose an alternate decision maker for your health care in case you become unable to make your own medical decisions. Regardless of where you live in the country, having a health care proxy keeps you in...
Overview of the Probate Process
By: Sandra MacGregor O’Brien, Esq. If you have not established a Trust as a part of your estate plan, you may find yourself dealing with the Probate Court when a loved one dies. Probate is a legal process initiated in the Probate Court that may be required after...
When do Massachusetts residents need to update estate plans?
Many Massachusetts residents delay the important task of estate planning for years longer than they know they should. However, when they finally get an estate plan drafted, executed and finished, it can be a great relief. But, those individuals who have taken the...
Family Feud: Developing Clear Intentions to Avoid Future Battles
By making sure that your intentions are unambiguously documented and easy to understand, you will help your adult children to make the right decisions in accordance with your wishes.
