Does Your Special Needs Child Really Need a Guardianship?

Posted on October 19, 2009

Last week I gave a presentation to Weymouth parents of special needs young adults, and from our conversation, it was clear that the school system was telling them that when a special needs child turns 18, the family must obtain a guardianship. As I’ve written elsewhere, this costs money, involves lawyers, and requires...

My Spouse Died – What Do I Need to Do to Protect Myself?

Posted on July 24, 2009

After a spouse dies and the family gets through the funeral, the immediate concern is to square away the couple's assets and make sure the surviving spouse has enough to live on. After that, there is one more step to take: protecting yourself. One area where you need to be proactive is to consider who...

It Just Got More Expensive to Ignore Your Estate Planning in Massachusetts

Posted on May 3, 2009

As part of your estate planning work, your attorney will prepare a Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy. These documents are critical to allow another person whom you appoint to legally care for you when you are unable to manage your own affairs, for example, if you are in a car...

“Do Your Documents” Now – and Avoid Guardianship Later

Posted on February 23, 2009

Imagine… you grow older and your memory starts to go. You fall and sustain and injury requiring surgery, and the anesthesia corrupts your mind to the point that you can’t handle finances, make decisions, or even participate meaningfully in your health care. If you didn’t execute a Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care...

Who Should We Name as Guardian (or Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy) for Our Special Needs Child?

Posted on February 6, 2009

As your special needs child turns 18, you need to name advocates to act as her voice on financial, legal, and health care matters. See my post on the need for a guardianship or a Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy. The big question is who to name to act as the...

Oh My Gosh, My Special Needs Child is About to Become a Legal Adult!

Posted on February 5, 2009

Knowing that your special needs child is about to become “of majority age” can strike fear in the heart. If you doubt your child’s ability to make her own financial, legal, and health care decisions, there are a few things you need to do before she turns 18. (If she is already 18 or...