Historically, parents have kept their estate plans secret from their adult children. The reasons for this are many- fear of upsetting their children, wanting to avoid pressure from their kids to get an "advance inheritance," fear that one of the children will abuse...
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Boston Elder Law Blog
What situations make probating an estate necessary?
It is not always required to go to probate court to pass an estate to heirs. Still, some circumstances do not allow you to avoid probate. It is important to know some of these situations, particularly if you are going to be an estate executor in the future. According...
Pet trusts: what are they, and should you consider having one?
In 2011, Massachusetts changed its probate code. Among many of the changes made, the state began allowing people to create a trust for their pet(s). It can, in fact, also be done for farm animals, such as goats and horses. How to set up a pet trust Pet owners who wish...
How planning your estate now can avoid sibling squabbles
Even though it is not the most pleasant topic, most adults understand the need for a will and an estate plan. Most adults know this benefits them, giving them control over their assets and allowing them to designate beneficiaries. In the best-case scenario, children...
Should you create a financial power of attorney document?
In many ways, creating a document designating powers of attorney for your estate plan can be beneficial. For example, you can grant a reliable individual the ability to make important decisions related to your finances when you are incapable of doing so. Learning...
What figures into financial eligibility for Medicaid?
If you are looking into long-term care Medicaid programs, you should understand how the program will assess your income and assets. Medicaid is a need-based program that relies on your finances to determine eligibility. The state will want a complete rundown of all...
What should new parents know about guardianships?
When you become a new parent, there are many things you can do to protect your child's future. Naming a guardian can give you a voice in who cares for your children in case something happens to you and your spouse. It can be beneficial for new parents to learn about...
Creating a trust for a child with an uncertain disability
Some children cannot earn a living as adults due to a disability. However, you might not know for sure if your child will be incapable of holding down a job and living alone. Some people retain their independence in spite of a disabling condition. Many parents of...
How can you include your business in your estate plan?
With an estate plan, you can get rid of any concerns you might have about what could happen to your assets after your death. You can even easily incorporate your business interests into your plan while you are at it. Create a succession plan First, you can use your...
The importance of estate plan reviews
So much of the estate planning focus is on the initial process and completing the paperwork for the first time. Unfortunately, this creates a false sense of security once you finish the plan. Whether you are new to estate planning or you finished your documents some...