Over the last several months, we have received word from clients of what appears to be an official and important notice that is being sent out to homeowners. The notice says that the recipient is required to have a copy of their deed to prove ownership and request payment to receive a copy of their …
Estate Planning & Trusts
Forbes Article: The Unique Estate Planning Needs Of The Unmarried
Estate planning discussions often give the impression that every senior in America is married with two or more kids. That’s not true, of course, and those who do not fit the profile need estate planning guidance at least as much as the stereotypical couple does. Read more here.
Forbes Article: The Unique Estate Planning Needs Of The UnmarriedRead More
How to Handle an Unexpected Inheritance
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com For most people, receiving an inheritance is something good, but for the elderly or a nursing home resident, an inheritance may not be as welcomed. Medicaid (MassHealth in Massachusetts) has strict income and asset limits so an inheritance can suddenly and unexpectedly make the Medicaid …
The Problem with Out-of-State Documents
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com I am often asked whether moving from one state to another requires someone to redo their legal, estate planning documents. While I obviously do not have knowledge of the laws in every state, my general answer is that if a will, power of attorney, or …
What is a Declaration of Homestead Exemption?
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com If you own your home, Massachusetts homestead law may protect your home against claims of many creditors. The homestead law protects your home if: Manufactured or mobile homes are also protected by this law. The homestead law does not protect the house from “secured” claims. …
Estate Planning for the “Troubled” Adult Child
You never stop being a parent, but in some cases, estate planning decisions can be challenging if you have an adult child who may be troubled or demonstrate problematic behavior in some way (e.g., is addicted to drugs or alcohol, is financially irresponsible). You likely already know the heartbreak associated with trying to help that …
Using a testamentary supplemental needs trust to protect assets from the cost of nursing home care
What is a testamentary supplemental needs trust? A trust is a written agreement between the person(s) who creates the trust and the person who administers the trust as to how any property owned by the trust may be used. A testamentary trust is any trust created by the terms of a person’s Will. A supplemental …
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 …