As many of you know, I am dedicated to helping elders reside at home for as long as possible. The Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) is one of the MassHealth programs that helps seniors accomplish this.FEW provides support to eligible elders 60 years of age or older whose needs meet the level of...
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Why You Might Want to Consider a Corporate or Private Trustee
In my last article I discussed some of the factors to consider when choosing a trustee for your irrevocable trust. Now I’d like to elaborate on two options you might want to consider if you don’t know anyone you’d trust to fill this crucial role: a corporate trustee and a...
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Choosing a Trustee for Your Irrevocable Trust
As I discussed in a recent article, irrevocable trusts are highly effective tools for protecting assets from the cost of long-term care. That’s because assets in an irrevocable trust are not available to the grantor (the person whose assets are in the trust). Instead, the assets are controlled by...
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Mayday, Mayday, be on the Lookout: Incidents of Fraud have Risen Dramatically!
I recently came across an article from AARP about the rising number of scams and other forms of fraud being perpetrated nationwide. Here is a synopsis of this troubling article, along with a few links. Let’s begin with some numbers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing a record $10 billion...
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Why Would Someone Want an “Irrevocable” Trust?
An irrevocable trust can’t be modified or terminated except under certain very limited circumstances. This type of trust requires the grantor (the person for whom the trust is created) to transfer assets into the trust and give up his or her rights of ownership to those assets. So why would anyone want...
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What the Heck Is Elder Law Anyway?
When people ask me what I do for a living, and I tell them I’m an elder law attorney, the usual reaction is a blank stare, a long pause, and something like “hmm, that’s … interesting.”This response is not surprising. While many people have heard of estate planning (which, of course, I...
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The Potential Pitfalls of “Advancing” an Inheritance to Adult Children
At one time or another many parents entertain the notion of giving money “early” to adult children… in effect, “making an advance” on their children’s inheritance. While this seems like a generous and noble gesture, it may not be such a great idea. Here’s why.Let’s say one of your children could use...
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Elder Law 101 – Please Join Us!
Most of us will eventually need some form of long-term care. The good news is that proper planning can help ensure your wishes regarding your care will be carried out. Proper planning can also protect your life savings from the cost of such care. On Wednesday, March 27th at 11:00 AM I am...
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Myths and Misconceptions about Health Care Proxies
Despite the fact that everyone needs a health care proxy, there is considerable confusion about what it is and what it does. Here’s what you need to know.A Health Care Proxy is a Legal Document, not a Person.In Massachusetts, a health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to name...
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Some Valentine’s Day Thoughts About “I Love You” Wills
Let’s begin with a definition: An “I Love You” will is a last will and testament wherein the person who makes the will (known as the testator) bequeaths everything to his or her spouse. It seems like a logical approach, and many couples think of it as an expression of their love...
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