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

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Trustee

Posted on June 23, 2022

It is essential to choose a qualified trustee because this person (or institution) is responsible for carrying out your wishes and protecting your trust’s assets. The law requires a trustee to be a legally competent adult, that is, a person 18 or over capable of managing his or her affairs. Other than that...

Estate Planning Myth #1: Trusts are Only for “Rich” People

Posted on March 18, 2022

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...

Preserving Family Harmony: Who Should Administer Your Loved One’s Special Needs Trust?

Posted on October 8, 2021

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.

“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...

Should I Have a Trust?

Posted on September 20, 2018

I hear this question a lot when I teach seminars. If you’ve been to a seminar, you have heard me say that “trusts come in many flavors.” There are all sorts of trusts, and whether you should have one depends entirely on your situation. I would say that about one-third of my clients need...

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...

Set Up a Self-Settled Special Needs Trust for Your Child Now

Posted on November 9, 2008

If you have already established a “third-party special needs trust” for your child – that’s the one that will receive her share of your estate when you pass away – congratulations. Now it’s time to set up a “self-settled” special needs trust. This trust will be a depository for any of your child’s own...

A Family Only Needs One Special Needs Trust

Posted on November 6, 2008

Have you set up a Special Needs Trust (SNT) to receive your disabled child’s share of your estate when you die? Are there other family members who might also want to leave something to your disabled child, for example grandparents or a doting uncle? Or even non-family members, such as god-parents or very close...