By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Losing a loved one is incredibly tough, and once the initial grief begins to fade, you’re left with the complicated and time-consuming task of figuring out if probate is necessary for their estate. But what exactly is probate, and can you avoid it to speed …
Asset Protection
Have You Checked Your Beneficiary Designations Lately?
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com You may regularly monitor the balances of your retirement, bank, and investment accounts, but have you recently reviewed the beneficiary designations tied to these accounts? These often-overlooked details are critical to ensuring your money goes to the right person or entity after your death. It …
Have You Checked Your Beneficiary Designations Lately?Read More
When a Loved One Dies: A Checklist of Important Steps
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com After a loved one passes away, there are numerous legal and financial matters to address. Here is a comprehensive checklist to help guide you through the process: Obtain Certified Copies of the Death Certificate The funeral home will provide certified copies of the death certificate. …
When a Loved One Dies: A Checklist of Important StepsRead More
Gifting, Medicaid Nursing Home Benefits, and What to Consider Before Giving
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Gifting, Medicaid Nursing Home Benefits, and What to Consider Before Giving I often hear the question, “How much can I gift someone without triggering taxes?” While Massachusetts doesn’t impose a gift tax, the federal government does, albeit with a considerably high exemption. In the current …
Gifting, Medicaid Nursing Home Benefits, and What to Consider Before GivingRead More
7 Reasons to Preplan Your Funeral
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Increasingly, people are considering all aspects of aging, including planning for their final farewell. While it might not be the most enjoyable task, planning for the end-of-life offers many benefits. One common strategy is to prepay for funeral expenses or set up an Irrevocable Pre-paid …
Estate Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Owning and running a small business is a labor of love that involves countless hours of hard work and dedication. Amidst the day-to-day operations and strategic planning, it’s essential for small business owners to consider the future—especially when it comes to estate planning. In this …
The New Massachusetts Homestead Exemption Law Change: What Homeowners Need to Know
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
Promissory Notes and Revocable Trusts
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 …