Elder Care
Lessons in Estate Planning and Privacy from Harper Lee
Harper Lee, legendary and reclusive author of the literary classic, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” passed away in February 2016 at the age of 89. Though Lee fiercely maintained her privacy, she did publish another novel before the end of her life entitled “Go Set a Watchman.” As a result of her literary success, Lee reportedly…
Read MorePlanning Ahead for the Medicaid Look Back Period
It is always a good idea to start thinking about long-term planning early so that you are financially prepared for the future and your mind can be at ease if future hardship should occur. While estate planning is one endeavor that is best tackled early, long-term health care is another important issue and one that…
Read MoreElder Care and Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana (Medical Marijuana Law) took effect on January 1, 2013, legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and exempting individuals with qualifying medical conditions from being penalized under Massachusetts law for marijuana use. To become a “qualifying patient,” a doctor, licensed in Massachusetts, must have…
Read More5 Estate Planning Nightmares from Around the Country
With the proper estate planning, the following situations could have been avoided. The truth is, many fail to adequately plan their estate, which can potentially lead to outcomes such as these worst-case scenarios. 1. Mom had been in the nursing home on private pay for over 7 years. After paying over $700,000 to the nursing…
Read More2013 Planning for the Generations Symposium
This week I will be attending the 2013 Planning for the Generations Symposium — a 3 day conference taking place in Denver, CO for estate, elder law and financial professionals. While there, I will have the chance to collaborate with colleagues and other experts in the fields of estate planning and elder law, ultimately sharing…
Read More"We are Family": Estate Planning for Adult Children Living at Home
With the state of the economy, the low unemployment rate for graduates, and the general cost of living, many children are continuing to live with their parents long after they turn eighteen. Having an adult child live with you can simultaneously be a benefit and a burden. Children at home can assist with the tasks…
Read MoreShould my elderly parent, in a nursing home, sell her house?
One of the most common questions surrounding estate planning for the elderly is what to do with their home and other assets after one or both have entered a nursing home. The children of elderly parents are constantly asking estate planning attorneys in Massachusetts if their parent’s home and assets are protected when the parent…
Read MoreElder Care and Consideration
The process of watching elderly parents age before your eyes is an emotional and challenging experience and for members of the “sandwich” generation, a duty to balance the care for their children and their parents can be a difficult job. This responsibility can be escalated if there are serious health or financial issues involved. The…
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