Posted on 03 May 2012. Tags: Durable power of attorney, health care proxy, Irrevocable trusts, Legal, Revocable living trusts, will
By Cathleen Summers Now is the time to take the legal steps necessary to ensure that your assets are protected and that your wishes met. Here are the basic documents you should consider putting in place: A will A will provides direction on how you want your property to be distributed after you die. When [...]
Read the full story
Posted in Legal Briefs
Posted on 03 May 2012. Tags: Legal, marriage, prenuptial, retiree, senior
By Linda T. Cammuso When my clients plan to marry, I advise them that a prenuptial agreement should be considered before they take that life-changing step. When individuals have reached their senior years, the prenuptial agreement takes on new significance, as much more may be at stake than people realize. Your net worth may exceed [...]
Read the full story
Posted in Legal Briefs
Posted on 30 March 2012. Tags: long term care, MassHealth, Medicaid, planning
By Linda T. Cammuso Nursing home care or the need for long-term-care services is among the most serious financial burden a senior will experience in his or her lifetime. In the United States, the average cost for nursing home care exceeds $70,000 annually — in fact some nursing facilities in Massachusetts cost well over $100,000. [...]
Read the full story
Posted in Legal Briefs
Posted on 24 February 2012. Tags: estate, law, partners, planning, unmarried
By Linda T. Cammuso The definition of the “typical family” has changed dramatically over the years. Non-traditional family scenarios are increasingly coming into existence, often later in one’s life. The types of families that we encounter today include second marriages in which one or both spouses have children from prior relationships — more commonly referred [...]
Read the full story
Posted in Legal Briefs
Posted on 27 December 2011. Tags: Legal, Massachusetts, probate
By Linda T. Cammuso The new Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MUPC) was signed into law several years ago and several important and significant changes took effect on Jan. 2. The new legislation is designed to simplify, streamline and clarify the probate process. In certain cases it will require less court supervision and estate resolution will [...]
Read the full story
Posted in Legal Briefs
Posted on 22 November 2011. Tags: Grandparent, Legal, rights, states, visitation
A growing number of grandparents are pushing lawmakers around the country to change state standards they say are too restrictive and ignore the unique bonds many grandparents have with their grandchildren.
Read the full story
Posted in Legal