In honor of Halloween, I’d like to share what I consider to be some of the scariest (and easily avoided) planning mistakes.
Thinking you can become eligible for long-term care assistance from MassHealth by simply giving your assets away.
This might seem like a great idea, but MassHealth has strict guidelines for gifting, including...
Thoughts on Independence from an Elder Law Attorney
Independence Day has come and gone, but this time of year always reminds me of why I focus on estate planning and elder law: these areas of practice allow me to help my clients live at home independently for as long as possible. Let’s take a brief look at some of the...
Estate Planning Myths and Misconceptions: All Trusts Protect Your Assets
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...
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...
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...
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...
Yes, MassHealth Will Pay for Home Care
One of the most satisfying aspects of being an elder law attorney is helping elders reside in their own homes for as long as possible. In the coming months, I’ll be using my newsletter and blog to explain a range of options available to pay for home care. Let’s begin with one...
“Live Well, Age Well” Education Series with Norwell Senior Center
Live Well, Age Well
Education Series with Norwell Council on Aging
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Education Series with Norwell Council on Aging
None of us can escape aging, but the choices we make throughout life can influence how well we live as we age. The Norwell Council on Aging is excited to begin the “Live Well, Age Well” initiative, offering a...
Will Stimulus Payments Disrupt My Public Benefits?
Will Stimulus Payments Disrupt My Public Benefits?
If you are on public benefits and receiving a stimulus payment, then you are probably concerned about how the payment will affect your public benefits (ex. MassHealth or SSI). In short, it will not.
Stimulus payments are not considered “income.” They are also not considered “assets” UNLESS you are...
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Useful Info During COVID (v. 5)
Hello Friends!
I hope you have been enjoying / avoiding / surviving this heat, depending on your predisposition to such weather. We live in a proper New England house with not enough storage and no A/C (just window units), so I have definitely been missing the luxurious central air conditioning in my office lately! But...
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