Salem Massachusetts Estate Planning Law Blog
Common mistakes in Medicaid care planning
During the bad days at work, a few things may have kept you going: First, that when you retire, you can enjoy spending some of your hard-earned cash, and second, that you leave your children a healthy estate to give them a helping hand. Sadly, for many people, these...
Effects of Mental Illness on Validity of a Will
Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder can have a profound effect on the way people make decisions. While mild depression and anxiety can affect many of us, severe mental illness can mean that people are classed as mentally incompetent...
What might physicians consider during estate planning?
Physicians could amass significant assets throughout their careers, so estate planning might be crucial to address matters upon passing away or becoming incapacitated. Even physicians with limited assets could find value in estate planning. Directives listed in a will...
The responsibilities of an executor
If you’re creating an estate plan, there will come a point when you need to name an executor for your will. This sounds like an easy decision until you come to realize that this person will have a variety of high-level responsibilities upon your death. Here are just...
Should I probate a will alone or hire an attorney?
The internet is full of articles that suggest probating a will is easy. Yet, just as you can find articles telling you how to do almost anything in five easy steps, the truth is somewhat different. Probate is a legal process. Unless you studied law, you are unlikely...
When is guardianship used?
The social media hashtag #FreeBritney has been in the news recently. The hashtag is part of a campaign to release the singer Britney Spears from the legal situation where her father has power over her financial affairs. A court awarded him this when she was judged...
3 reasons to revisit an estate plan after you’ve remarried
If you’ve remarried, it’s crucial to think about the impact your new relationship can have on your estate plan. This is particularly important if you and your ex-spouse have children together, or if your new partner has brought children into your family. You may have...
The importance of follow-through in estate planning
It's important to get estate planning right by actually following through on plans made with the help of professionals. Experienced estate planners in Massachusetts know all too well that they can lead a horse to water, but they can't make it drink. All the best...
What taxes are due for a deceased person in Massachusetts?
A person's debts do not go away after he or she dies. Creditors could file claims against the estate. If solvent, the estate may need to settle the debts, including ones related to local and federal taxes. Estate heirs and trust beneficiaries in Massachusetts may...
Estate Administration And The Fiduciary Duty
On its face, estate administration seems rather simple. After all, it is merely the process of handling an estate, ensuring that assets and debts are handled in accordance with estate planning documents and in compliance with the law. Yet, oftentimes disputes arise between estate administrators and beneficiaries. These disagreements can lead to probate litigation.
