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…

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Estate Planning and Second Marriages

Maintaining an updated estate plan is an important aspect of financial care. It is especially important to update following a divorce and/or the start of a second marriage. Blended families and new marriages create an interesting problem for will-makers, as they must find a way to honor the new spouse and children without disregarding children…

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Sheryl 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…

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The Tax Responsibilities your Family May Be Overlooking

As the year comes to an end, you may be accessing your financial plan in preparation for the New Year. While tax planning is something most working adults are generally informed about, there are tax obligations that some may not be fully aware of. If you have young children, it could come as a surprise…

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Estate 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?…

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Back-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…

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Planning 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…

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The 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”…

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Important 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…

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An Introduction to High-Net Worth Estate Planning

Estate planning is an important concern for anyone who desires their affairs be handled according to their wishes after their death.  Planning for high-net worth individuals and families is complex and dependent upon the particular desires of the family. High-net worth estate planning should be handled carefully, so that your estate, which you’ve worked hard…

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