Some myths contain an element of truth. An example of this is the notion that all trusts will protect your assets against long-term care costs, divorce, lawsuits, and other threats. The truth is a bit more complicated: while some types of trusts provide excellent asset protection, others do not. When most people think...
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Join Me In Person or Online in May and Learn about Planning for Long-Term Care
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, May 11th from noon to 1 PM I’ll...
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Another Myth about MassHealth and Paying for Long-Term Care
In past articles I’ve dispelled the myth that MassHealth won’t pay for home care. Now I’d like to address another common myth about MassHealth and long-term care, namely, that the well spouse will be kicked out of the family home if the ailing spouse moves to a nursing home and MassHealth...
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Join Me on April 14th for National Healthcare Decisions Day
National Healthcare Decisions Day is held annually in April. It was created to educate the public about the importance of planning for a medical crisis ahead of time and to encourage adults of all ages to put their wishes in writing by creating an advanced healthcare directive.An advanced healthcare directive allows you...
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Estate Planning Myth #1: Trusts are Only for “Rich” People
There are so many myths and misconceptions about estate planning that I feel compelled to dispel some of them in this forum. Consider, for example, the myth that trusts are only for the wealthiest of families, the so-called “one percent.” In truth, there are many different types of trusts, capable of helping...
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Long-Term Care Insurance: A Short Assessment
In my quest to help elders get the care they need and still live at home, another possible solution is long-term care insurance. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of this approach.First of all, long-term care insurance has become very expensive. That’s because many insurance companies suffered losses on policies written in...
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Paying for Home Care: The VA Aid and Attendance Program
As most of you know, one of the things I like best about being an elder law attorney is helping clients find ways to live in their homes for as long as possible and still receive the medical care they need. The VA Aid and Attendance...
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Now is a Good Time to Make Sure Your Estate Plan is Up to Date
With the holidays in the rearview mirror, most of us, myself included, will reflect upon what has happened over the course of the year and the changes that have taken place. (There is certainly a lot to reflect upon this year!)
As an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney,...
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Think Twice (or Three Times) Before Giving Adult Children an “Advance” on Their Inheritance
Perhaps you have considered giving money to your adult children sooner rather than later, maybe as an “advance” on their inheritance. After all, it would certainly be nice to see and experience how your financial assistance helps them pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. However, before acting on your generous inclinations,...
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Preserving Family Harmony: Who Should Administer Your Loved One’s Special Needs Trust?
If you have a loved one with special needs, you know the importance of protecting his or her eligibility for essential government benefits like MassHealth and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You also know that these benefits alone are not enough to give your loved one the highest possible quality of life.
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