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 …
estateplanning
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Considerations When Choosing a Trustee
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com Many of my clients choose to create a trust as part of their Estate Plan. After all, trusts save time, cost, paperwork, and have the potential to reduce taxes. They also ensure that the Trustor’s assets are handled according to their …
Why You Need More Than a Will
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com I often hear from prospective clients who say, “I’m calling because I need to create a simple Will.” My experience reveals that a simple will is not enough to adequately provide for what happens should you become incapacitated or when you pass away, but getting …
Can a Power of Attorney Manage Your Social Security Benefits?
By: Brandon C. Walecka, Esq. Walecka Law, P.C. 774-203-9003 Brandon@WaleckaLaw.com You did the right thing, you established an estate plan consisting of the five foundational documents, including a durable power of attorney, health care proxy, HIPAA release, personal directive, and last will and testament. In particular, a power of attorney is a powerful document that …
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