Can I just do a codicil or is an entire new will necessary? That is a question I am frequently asked. The answer is: it depends. Although that sounds like a non-answer, the truth is: it really does depend. A codicil is a document that revises existing will terms, revokes sections of a will, or adds to… Read More »
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Financial Abuse of the Elderly: How to Spot It and Stop It
Despite the Elder Justice Act, passed in 2010, financial abuse of the elderly continues to be an enormous problem. In a follow-up study to research done in 2009, MetLife, with researchers from Virginia Tech and the University of Kentucky, released a report in June 2011, that shows financial abuse of the elderly remains rampant.(Download Full Report… Read More »
Estate Planning and Elder Law Newsletter: Special Issue For Women
Every month I send an E-Newsletter that has articles on estate planning and elder law topics. If you would like to subscribe to this E-Newsletter please feel free to sign up. This months topic is “Women: Law and Money.” Although many of the issues discussed in this issue also apply to men, there is one that research shows is… Read More »
What Is “Aid and Attendance” and How To Qualify
“Aid and Attendance” is a special pension benefit available to Veterans and their spouses to help pay for the cost of medical care. If the Veteran qualifies, they are entitled to receive a monthly check from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. The VA itself has said that the Aid and Attendance Pension is an underutilized benefit,… Read More »
Estate Planning and Elder Law Newsletter: Elder Law
Every month I send an E-Newsletter that has articles on estate planning and elder law topics. If you would like to subscribe to this E-Newsletter please feel free to sign up. This months topic is “Elder Law Elements.” Elder Law, unlike many other areas of law, is centered on the needs of the client – not a specific area… Read More »
May is “Elder Law Education Month” in Massachusetts
Every year the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys co-sponsor an event for elder law education. This year, the topic is “Taking Control of Your Future – A Legal Checkup.” Many of the area Councils on Aging request an attorney to come in and give a presentation…. Read More »
National Health Care Decision Day
I do not know how I missed this, but Saturday, April 16, 2011 was National Health Care Decision Day (NHDD). The idea behind this day is to “encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.” NHDD has a lot of wonderful resources on their… Read More »
Estate Planning and Elder Law Newsletter: Someday I Will do a Will
Every month I send an E-Newsletter that has articles on estate planning and elder law topics. If you would like to subscribe to this E-Newsletter please feel free to sign up. This months topic is “Tomorrowitis.” Many people pass away without any plan in place. There are lots of reasons for this: people think they do not need a… Read More »
New Massachusetts Homestead Law – Update
The new Massachusetts Homestead Law goes into effect today, March 16, 2011. Secretary of State William Galvin provides a brief summary of the new law on his website. In addition, the new Homestead forms are now available for download. There are two available forms: 1. Homestead for Individual Owners, including those over 62 years. If both spouses are… Read More »
Estate Planning and Elder Law Newsletter: Estate Planning Tips for Singles
Every month I send an E-Newsletter that has articles on estate planning and elder law topics. If you would like to subscribe to this E-Newsletter please feel free to sign up. This month’s topic is “Estate Planning for Singles.” Whether divorced, widowed, or never married, nearly half the population is single. Read why estate planning is just as –… Read More »