By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com A trust can be an effective estate planning tool for clients who desire a level of control over their assets. A trust allows you to place various “rules” and incentives on distributions to beneficiaries. You can direct your trustee to distribute an inheritance to a …
What Grandparents Should Know About 529 Plan Impact on Taxes, MassHealth Eligibility
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Grandparent 529 plans are becoming a popular way to save for college – and for good reason. With a 529 plan, you can build an educational legacy for your grandchild while taking advantage of tax and estate planning benefits. One potential drawback of grandparent 529 …
What Grandparents Should Know About 529 Plan Impact on Taxes, MassHealth EligibilityRead More
Do Your Kids Know Your Plans? Talk To Them Today.
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Most families never talk about what their wishes may be when they become incapacitated or when they die. After all, no one likes to talk about their own mortality, especially with their children (even if they are adults themselves). However, an open dialogue is the …
Considering a Personal Care Contract
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com This article will explore common issues and questions related to Personal Care Contracts, which is one strategy available to assist an elderly loved one with their daily care as well as a planning technique to qualify an elderly individual for Medicaid/MassHealth. A Care Contract. In …
Avoiding Probate
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com When an individual dies owning property solely in his or her name, a formal procedure (“probate”) is usually needed to determine to whom the property should pass. If there is a valid Will, the property will pass according to its terms. If there is no …
What is a Trust?
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com I often hear from prospective clients asking, “What is a Trust?” A trust essentially is an agreement between two or more people to hold assets (e.g., a house, bank account investment, etc.) for the benefit of someone else—for the benefit of a beneficiary. So, it …
What If I Cannot Find the Original Will?
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com I sometimes receive a call from a family after someone passes telling me that they cannot find the original Last Will and Testament. Without the original Will, estate administration involves an application by a proposed Personal Representative (“PR”, formerly known as the Executor) and usually …
Have You Checked Your Beneficiary Forms Lately?
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Have you checked your beneficiary designations for your retirement accounts or life insurance policies recently? If not, you may find that your designated beneficiary is not who or what you think it should be, especially if you have had a major life event, such as …