January 6, 2009
When discussing estate planning, I often hear the remark “I don’t need a Will”. Many think that they don’t have a large enough estate, or that everything will automatically pass to their spouse. That is not always the case.
If you die without a Will, Massachusetts law will control how your property will be distributed. After payment of debts, [...]
Christopher Sharry
Wills
Tags: Add new tag, Asset Protection, estate, estate distribution, Estate Planning, intestate estate, probate, property distribution, Wills, worcester estate planning, worcester wills lawyer
January 2, 2009
A recent review by the Associated Press found that the quality of nursing homes across the country varies widely by region. Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found that better care is often found in areas with higher income levels. Massachusetts is no different, as statistics revealed that nursing homes in wealthier counties across the [...]
December 26, 2008
For calendar year 2009, retirees will have the option of leaving the amount they normally would have to withdraw as a required minimum distribution (RMD) in their accounts. President Bush recently signed legislation that will suspend the RMD for 2009. Required minimum distributions, generally, are the minimum amounts that an account owner must withdraw annually beginning the year [...]
December 22, 2008
The birth of a child will bring many changes to your family’s lifestyle and added responsibilities. In a perfect world, parents will guide their children as they grow older and have children of their own. As this world is not a perfect one, parents must plan for the unforeseen and choose a person to care for [...]
November 11, 2008
Most people understand the concept and importance of a Will. A Will is a legal document that transfers assets at death and allows a person to name an executor to transfer those assets. A trust is similar in that a grantor transfers assets to the trust and names a trustee to distribute trust assets. You [...]
November 9, 2008
Developing an estate plan, while an essential first step in protecting your family and financial future, does not end when you sign and execute your will, durable power of attorney, and other important estate planning documents. Your estate plan should be reviewed periodically to determine if any changes or revisions should be made. Certain changes or events in [...]
November 8, 2008
Most people think that when their kids are out of the house, or the mortgage is paid off, the need for life insurance disappears. Life insurance, however, may be a very powerful tool if structured properly and included in a comprehensive estate plan. Some of the benefits of life insurance include:
Life insurance can provide support when you’re [...]
November 7, 2008
I get this question quite often. Family members and friends falsely assume that estate planning is for the “rich”. They think that they are too young to need a Will or they don’t have enough money to worry about planning. I explain that sometimes the headaches associated with a lack of planning usually have nothing to do with [...]
