The Difference Between a Will and a Beneficiary Designation… and Why It’s Important

Posted on August 24, 2023

Wills and beneficiary designations are similar in that they allow you to name the person(s) who will receive your assets after you pass away. However, they are not the same. Understanding the differences is crucial to ensuring your wishes are carried out.Let’s begin with two basic definitions. A will is an estate...

A Common Misconception about Wills and Probate

Posted on May 16, 2023

Many people believe that having a valid will allows their estate to avoid probate. This is not the case. In fact, the probate process focuses on authenticating a decedent’s will (if there is one) and approving the named “personal representative” so that he or she can settle...

Lunch & Learn! Elder Law 101: Protecting Your Assets

Posted on March 15, 2023

On Tuesday, March 28, I’ll be making a presentation at The Allerton House at Harbor Park. I’ll be joined by Christine Lappas, Allerton House Sales Director. Join us for lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by an informative presentation at 12:00 to learn more about: Health Care Proxy

National Estate Planning Awareness Week Begins on October 17th

Posted on October 13, 2022

National Estate Planning Awareness Week was created to raise public awareness about the importance of proper planning and to dispel common myths. These myths include several that I have addressed in past articles, such as “Trusts are Only for Rich People” and “A Will is...

Who Inherits Property In Massachusetts When a Person Dies “Intestate?”

Posted on August 25, 2022

When a person passes away without a will, a trust, or designated beneficiaries, the decedent’s assets are distributed according to what is called “intestate succession.” In this situation, “who gets what” follows strict guidelines established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These guidelines can lead to unexpected consequences, even in relatively common scenarios....

“Live Well, Age Well” Education Series with Norwell Senior Center

Posted on September 24, 2021

Live Well, Age WellEducation 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...

My Loved One Died. Do I Need to Probate a Will?

Posted on January 15, 2019

When someone dies and has a will, the obvious question is, “What do I do now?” The best thing to do is to see a lawyer who specializes in estate planning and probate. You will bring to that meeting everything you can find about the deceased’s assets and finances: deed, mortgage papers, bank statements, brokerage...

Elder Care Workshop Series at Norwell Public Library

Posted on March 7, 2017

Getting older? Taking care of someone who is? Come to this three-part series to learn some helpful tips from local Elder Services professionals. Wednesday, March 8: “Who Can Help Me?” Find out how to access elder services in your community. Presented by Susan Curtin, Director at Norwell Council on Aging. “Elder Law 101” Get to know the basics...

My Dad Died Owning Stocks – What a Pain That Was!

Posted on April 1, 2014

If you have ever had to deal with stocks that you inherited, then you know what a pain it can be to change ownership over to your name. You probably had to: Figure out which stock transfer agent was managing those shares (ex. Computershare), Figure out which forms that transfer agent needed you to fill out, Go to...

Heard in the Office: “My Mom Named Me ‘Executor’ in Her Will and the Court Sent Me Some Paper about Being ‘Personal Representative.’ I Don’t Get It.”

Posted on July 31, 2012

Huge vocabulary switch, it’s going to take all of us a very long time to get used to. This spring, the legislature cleaned out 200 years of laws concerning how we probate wills and estates and replaced those laws with a brand new set called the “Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code” (MUPC). One of the many...