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) [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
July 29, 2009
Planning your estate, whether young or old, is very important. Sound advice from your accountant, financial advisor, insurance agent and estate planning attorney can help you plan for whatever bumps in the road you encounter during your lifetime. Younger couples must establish a financial plan to make sure they provide for their children and can [...]
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 [...]
Christopher Sharry
Medicaid Planning
Tags: Add new tag, Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, long term care, Medicaid, medicaid law, Medicaid Planning, nursing home law, public benefits, worcester estate planning, worcester estate planning lawyer, worcester wills lawyer
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 [...]
Christopher Sharry
Special Needs Trust
Tags: Asset Protection, disability planning, Estate Planning, financial planning, government benefits, Medicaid, special needs planning, ssi, supplemental security income, worcester estate planning, worcester estate planning lawyer
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 [...]
January 10, 2009
The process of planning your estate can be a daunting one. Often, you are asked to think about, discuss, and plan for an event that is unpleasant. For most of us, the plan we develop will not be needed for years. On top of that, you are then asked to gather numerous documents and verify details about your [...]
Christopher Sharry
Estate Planning
Tags: Add new tag, Asset Protection, declaration of homestead, Durable Power of Attorney, estate, estate distribution, Health Care Proxy, investment account, Life Insurance, Living Will, probate, property distribution, real estate deed, Retirement Planning, taxes, Trust, Trusts, Wills, worcester estate planning, worcester estate planning lawyer, worcester wills lawyer
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
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 [...]
