Aid & Attendance for veterans: Changes on the horizon
By Linda T. Cammuso
Aid and Attendance is a program of the Veterans Administration (VA) that provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require...
Who will inherit your IRA?
Most people name a beneficiary when they open the account and designate a spouse or children. Therefore, when they die, the money goes to a spouse or the children. Sounds easy, right? (Not so fast).
Helping your adult children with their finances
By Linda T. Cammuso
The United States economy is slowly recovering in the wake of the most significant financial crisis since the Great Depression. Still,...
Durable Powers of Attorney: Not so durable after all?
By Linda T. Cammuso
A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), sometimes called just a “Power of Attorney,” is a legal document that allows you to...
New state law authorizes the creation of trusts for pets
By Linda T. Cammuso
Until now, Massachusetts residents were prohibited from providing direct financial support for the care of a surviving pet upon the owner’s...
Demystifying probate part II: avoiding court
By Linda T. Cammuso
Last month, I discussed the probate process and people’s efforts to avoid probate, which often results in needless exposure of their...
DOMA Decision: What it means for estate planning
By Linda T. Cammuso
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004. While the intent was to put same-sex couples on equal footing with...
Estate planning for non-traditional families
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...
‘I love you wills’: Romantic gesture or disaster?
By Linda T. Cammuso
Married couples commonly have simple reciprocal wills that name each other as the beneficiary of the other’s estate. Known as “I...
What is elder law and how does it apply to families?
The National Elder Law Foundation defines elder law as “the legal practice of counseling and representing older persons or their representatives.” On its face the definition appears to be both simple and clear.
