By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com In a significant development for Massachusetts homeowners, the Affordable Homes Act recently passed on August 6, 2024 has enhanced protections for primary residences. The Homestead Exemption is a crucial legal provision that shields the equity in a person’s home from creditors in the event of …
The New Massachusetts Homestead Exemption Law Change: What Homeowners Need to KnowRead More
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com As of September 30, 2024, food no longer is considered “In-Kind Support and Maintenance” (ISM) under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules. SSI Background and the Impact of ISM SSI supports individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or over 65, with a …
Changes to SSI In-Kind Support and Maintenance Rules as of September 30, 2024Read More
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com You may know that with a Revocable Trust, you should take steps to transfer your assets into your trust during your lifetime, to ensure it accomplishes your goals (such as probate avoidance, estate tax reduction, and providing for your beneficiaries). This particularly is important when …
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Sometimes while meeting with a client, they express how they trust each of their children equally and unequivocally or they want to be perceived as “fair” so request to name multiple children as their power of attorney. What is a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)? …
Should I name multiple people as my Power of Attorney? Read More
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Many clients ask, “what happens if I receive an inheritance? Will I be taxed?” The typical answer from me is, “It depends.” No state inheritance tax in Massachusetts An inheritance tax is a tax on the beneficiary who is receiving the inheritance. If you are …
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Massachusetts recently passed legislation expanding the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), giving homeowners more flexibility and families new options for multigenerational living. This law requires municipalities to allow ADUs by right in all single-family zoning districts—eliminating the need for special permits in many cases. …
Massachusetts ADU Law: A New Path for Multigenerational LivingRead More
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Have you checked recently who you have designated to inherit your assets? If not, you may find that your designated beneficiary is not who or what you think it should be. It is recommended that every few years you revisit these types of assets to …
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Whenever I review drafts of a will with a client, there are certain terms that almost always trigger questions. One of those is “per stirpes.” Per stirpes is a Latin term meaning “by branch.” It describes how assets are distributed if a beneficiary dies before …
Understanding “Per Stirpes” and “Per Capita” in Your WillRead More
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