PRACTICE AREAS
WILLS
The foundation of most estate plans, a will is a legal document through which you elect someone you trust to serve as Personal Representative of your estate after you pass away. Through your will you can direct the payment of expenses, the distribution of your assets, elect guardians for your minor children and even a caretaker for your pet. At minimum, everyone should have a will. Remember, if you do not have your wishes in writing, the State of Massachusetts decides, and without a will your assets will pass according to Massachusetts intestacy laws, which often differ from what you would have wanted.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Through a Power of Attorney you grant someone you trust the ability to make legal decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so. Getting a Power of Attorney in place, while you have the ability to make the decision of who to appoint and what powers you want them to have, can avoid so many problems including the possibility of your family having to Petition for Conservatorship in Probate Court should you ever become mentally incapacitated.
HEALTH CARE PROXY
Like a Power of Attorney, a Healthcare Proxy elects someone to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make them yourself. Everyone should have a healthcare proxy once they turn 18. This is an important document that parents should think about as their children head off to college.
TRUSTS
There are many types of trusts. From a simple trust that is used for privacy or probate avoidance, to more complicated trusts used to reduce estate taxes or protect assets from long-term care, I will review your specific situation and we will work together to decide what will work best for you and your family.
PROBATE
The loss of a loved one is an emotional time. Many people become overwhelmed with dealing with their lost loved one’s “things” and do not spend the time they should grieving and caring for themselves. Family Dynamics and a confusing process can compound these feelings of grief. I can handle your probate case for you, relieving stress and allowing you the time needed to focus on what is important.
MEDICAID PLANNING
With the cost of nursing home care in Massachusetts averaging $14,000 per month, Seniors can quickly deplete their life savings, and may also leave their family home vulnerable to estate recovery after they pass. Planning ahead can often preserve assets to be passed down to your family and reduce the out-of-pocket costs of care, should it ever be needed. Whether you need guidance on protecting your assets or assistance with the Medicaid long term care application process I will explain the process and limitations so we can work together to find a solution for your situation.
SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING
Special considerations need to be taken into account when planning for a loved one with special needs. It is imperative that gifts are made in such a way that they will not disqualify your loved one from any state assistance they may receive. We can work together to decide if setting up a special needs trust makes sense in your specific situation.
REAL ESTATE
Having spent many years working in both the mortgage industry and real estate law, I am uniquely equipped to help you through the closing process. I represent Buyers and Sellers in the real estate closing process, including those that involve probate.