Tag Archives: worcester estate planning lawyer

Update to the Massachusetts Homestead Law

February 9, 2011

     Although the Massachusetts homestead law is not new, being enacted in 1851, it still causes confusion to homeowners as to what protection it affords.  An estate of homestead is a type of protection for a person’s residence from most creditors.  It allows homeowners in Massachusetts to protect their property up to five hundred thousand ($500,000) [...]

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Alternatives To Nursing Home Care

August 3, 2010

Many seniors choose to stay in their homes, apartments or assisted living facility despite significant care needs.  This can, however, present considerable challenges to adult children who are trying to balance their own family responsibilities with coordinating care for a parent, as well as for a spouse who may be faced with being a primary [...]

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Financial Planning For Families With Special Needs

November 14, 2009

ESSENTIAL STEPS TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOAL

Start Early and Get Help -  Lack of planning may have disastrous consequences.  Planning for special needs families often involves several  financial, legal and benefits-related strategies.  Assembling a team of qualified professionals to advise you will take time.  A financial advisor, estate planning attorney, benefits coordinator, trustee/trust company, family physician/registered [...]

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Caregiver Contracts On The Rise

October 26, 2009

A recent study by the AARP found that nearly a quarter of the adult population are providing voluntary care for family members and friends.  As the population ages and people live longer, this number is sure to rise.  To reward these caregivers, parents often would leave an unequal inheritance to the caregiver child.  Often these [...]

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Social Security Reports No Increase In Benefits for 2010

October 2, 2009

Normally, seniors receiving social security benefits see a 2-3% increase in their benefits each year.  For the first time in decades, there may not be a cost-of-living adjustment.  For some, social security checks may be lower when factoring in Medicare Part B premiums.  Most, however, are protected by a provision that ensures Medicare premiums don’t [...]

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Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit

July 10, 2009

LITTLE KNOWN PROGRAM CAN PROVIDE HELP FOR VETERANS
One often unclaimed, but very valuable program available to veterans is the VA aid and attendance benefit.  This program was created to help veterans, veterans and spouses or surviving spouses by providing financial assistance to help defray the costs and expenses with assisted living or at home care.  Generally, [...]

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Protecting Assets From The Costs of Long Term Care

June 23, 2009

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BEGIN PLANNING?
As everyones financial and medical backgrounds are different, so is the “right” time to begin planning.  The more time you have to plan before long term care is needed, the more options you may have and less stress you and your family will endure.  Anytime you have a [...]

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What Is Elder Law?

June 12, 2009

Elder law is an area of law that encompasses any legal issue facing the elderly.  It is often associated with estate planning but can involve much broader social, economic and health related difficulties facing aging Americans. Some of the concerns that become more important to us as we grow older and may require more careful [...]

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Use Care When Planning For Special Needs Children

June 8, 2009

Being a parent comes with great joy but significant responsibility.  It is no different for parents of children with special needs. In some situations, careful planning can be critical to address a family’s financial needs.  Parents must not only plan to care for their children during their lives, but they must also take steps to ensure they [...]

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Elder Advisory Group Offers Free Resource Guide For Seniors

May 27, 2009

Senior Resource Center of Worcester County is now offering a free resource guide to Seniors in the Worcester County area.  Senior Resource Center of Worcester County (SRCWC) is a full-service elder advisory group assisting Seniors and their families in the areas of financial guidance, asset protection and care coordination.  SRCWC offers solutions in identifying and [...]

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