Massachusetts estate planning
Undue Influence and Estate Planning – What You Need to Know
When we think of “Undue Influence”, we think of contested wills, families divided and older, vulnerable people exploited by self-interested relatives. Declaring undue influence is often used as a reason to contest a will or estate plan, but there are two ways to consider undue influence in estate planning. If you’re the one drafting a…
Read MoreLessons 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 MoreSheryl Dennis on Legacy Planning in Lawyers Weekly
Sheryl Dennis was recently quoted in the March 12, 2015 issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Attorney Dennis was consulted on digital legacy planning as it pertains to a new Facebook feature that allows individuals to choose a “legacy contact” to manage their account in the event of their death. The article, “Estate planners welcome Facebook’s…
Read MoreEstate Planning Advice on Disinheriting a Child
When considering your estate plan, one of the things you will have to think about is who your beneficiaries will be. If you have a significant estate, this decision is made even more complex. How will you divvy up your assets, who will receive an inheritance and are there those who you will deliberately exclude?…
Read More3 Easily Avoidable Estate Planning Mistakes
Estate planning is not a topic that many like to think about. After all, planning for our death can be a morbid way to pass the time. But, instead of thinking about the negative, it is important to remember the positive attributes of estate planning – namely, the security and future well-being of your family…
Read MoreBack-to-School Estate Planning for College Students
At the start of the summer, we shared important information for parents and grandparents with loved ones turning 18. These estate planning tips are especially important to consider as students head to college this September. Back-to-School planning can be a whirlwind, and while this planning typically involves stocking up on bulk cases of ramen noodles…
Read MoreThe Landmark SCOTUS Decision that Impacts your Inherited IRA
In a landmark decision handed down on June 12, 2014, the United States Supreme Court held that inherited IRAs are not protected from creditors in a bankruptcy claim. In Clark v. Rameker, the Supreme Court unanimously held that retirement funds inherited by a beneficiary after the original plan participant’s death are not considered “retirement funds”…
Read MoreImportant Graduation Safety Reminder for your 2014 Graduates
Do you have a child 18+ years of age? What happens if he/she is injured in a car accident? Did you know that once your child/grandchild turns 18: You no longer have access to his/her medical records You no longer can call a hospital and see if he/she is admitted after an accident You no…
Read More5 Must-Have Estate Planning Documents
As the New Year progresses, there is no better time to start thinking about estate planning. To start your year off right, here is a checklist of the five must-have pieces to every solid estate plan. 1. Will This is the most obvious starting point of every estate plan – and, in fact, most people who have done some form of estate planning probably…
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…
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