It’s the time of year for New Year’s resolutions. Most resolutions are so cumbersome, the maker of the resolution is unable to keep the resolution, which is self-defeating. A simple …
The baton may go to those who plan best, not to the swiftest. Succession: The $10 Trillion Question An article posted on the Small Business Administration’s web site (Family-Owned Business …
The employee handbook has been part of the business landscape for decades, and its basic purpose – to inform workers of a company’s policies and operating philosophies – hasn’t changed. …
The passing of a parent, spouse, partner or good friend is never easy to address or contemplate. In addition to the physical and emotional loss, the mere thought of navigating …
As you may have already heard or read, a Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) is a very important and beneficial document to have available, not only as you age, but …
Generally speaking, Brownfields are contaminated properties. Be it oil, detergents, polychlorinated biphenyls, (PCB’s,) or some other volatile organic compound, (VOC) or contaminate, a Brownfield is generally considered an environmental headache. …
Most small businesses are financially cyclical to some extent, with some days, weeks, months and years better than others. Although good financial planning can lessen the impact of economic downturn, …
There are three principal types of ownership (tenancies) relative to real estate. The most familiar is what is known as joint tenants. This means that if one person dies, the …
It has been said that life is all about timing. This is especially true when examining someone’s financial status. Someone could be solvent today and insolvent tomorrow (or vice versa). …
Samuel Goldwyn once said, “A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” Are the days of a handshake deals gone once and for all? Perhaps. Businesses and customers …
It is well understood that consumer bankruptcy is designed to assist someone to obtain a “fresh start,” which in most cases entails discharging some, if not all, debts and obligations. …
To err is human and to correct is divine. If you have an existing estate plan and haven’t revisited it for several years, or you never thought you needed one, …
You neighbor just received terrible news. Her mother, who was an elderly widow, has passed away. Although your neighbor was estranged from her mother for a number of years before …
Many expectant parents have questions about how much leave they are entitled to after the arrival of a new child. The laws are different for expectant mothers and fathers. Depending …
When Michael and his wife, Alice, began looking at weekend homes on Cape Cod, it quickly became apparent they could not undertake the financial burden alone. Fortunately, they had friends …
Very often, a person’s home is their most valuable asset, and they take many steps to protect their investment. These steps include securing homeowner’s insurance and spending countless hours and …
If you were to become incapacitated and unable to make your medical and financial decisions, do you know who would speak for you? Ideally, you have executed formal legal documents, …
Cooking up a successful business relationship requires trust between the parties involved, but having an agreement in writing is essential to the mix. A lack of agreement and understanding of …
Many have heard the expression, “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” but among estate planning specialists, we have changed the old adage some, that is, to “where there’s a …
Facing your own mortality is a difficult concept to come to terms with. There are several scenarios that younger individuals must be aware of that may leave you unable to …
Your Will means your way, and this is a powerful reality. We’ve all heard a horror story from a family member or friend, or have lived through one ourselves involving …
Business funding has become more challenging lately as rates are on the rise and venture capital seems to have dried up. Yesterday’s obvious funding solutions may seem to be a …
One relatively recent residential opportunity for older adults is the option to live in an assisted living facility. These are not skilled nursing facilities, like nursing homes, but they do …
Last month, this article reviewed the changes to the Medicaid program resulting from the enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (“DRA”) on February 8, 2006. The changes reviewed …
The season of spring is the first ingredient in the recipe for profit for most bars, restaurants, clubs and lounges. The next few favorably-weathered months will also see an abundance …
Steve Krevalin says it took one lunch for him to know the move made perfect sense – for both parties. He was referring to the addition of long-time Westfield attorney …
It can be tough being a landlord in Massachusetts. In addition to the everyday hassles, such as dealing with ornery tenants and rent collections, there are also long term considerations, …
On February 8, 2006, President Bush signed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (“DRA”) and significantly changed the Medicaid rules. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides …
In last month’s issue of The Healthcare Ledger, I discussed the role, purpose and function of guardians and conservators. In this article, I will highlight the important legal documents that …
For most people, their home is their most prized possession. This is often true from both a financial standpoint, as well as a sentimental one. Both aspects of your attachment …
Money. Money. Money. Whether it is start up capital, cash flow injection or purchasing power, every business needs money. Cash is “King.” We all have heard the saying, and it …
All people, regardless of age, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and in a fashion that keeps them safe from physical, emotional and financial harm. This is particularly true …
When an aging parent needs assistance to continue to live at home, many children opt to provide the needed care personally. Often, the parent will not agree to hire health …
At some point in life, everyone needs to consult with an attorney, but there are many things that should be considered when trying to find the right one. Where to …
Planning has become a way of life. Most of us have daily, weekly and monthly planners. We plan strategically in our careers and our investments, we plan our vacations and …
Whoever said change is not always bad, obviously did not see the new proposed rules for Medicaid. Medicaid or MassHealth as we know it in Massachusetts is a joint federal-state …
Approximately 42 million Medicare beneficiaries will be offered coverage for prescription costs through the new Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which became law on December 8, …
Frustrated middle managers, executives looking for a career change and blue-collar workers seeking financial independence alike are enticed by the idea of starting their own enterprise by purchasing a franchise. …
