There comes a point when most of our nation’s elders will need assistance with various tasks, such as household management, bathing, dressing, medication management, meal preparation and eating, transferring, and/or …
Everybody recognizes that technology is rapidly changing the workplace. Most employees have access to the Internet during business hours from their work computers, and even those who don’t likely have …
Recent allegations that Jerry Sandusky, former defensive coordinator for the Penn State University football team, sexually abused children while employed by the school have brought to the forefront issues relating …
Parents and guardians of special-education students often misunderstand the rights that state and federal law affords such students, particularly in the area of transitional planning. Transition services are those designed …
Year end is soon approaching. As you sit down for your holiday dinner, remember that soon Uncle Sam will be visiting you to enjoy his share of your bounty. Despite …
For 200 years, the laws Massachusetts supported the position that a property owner was not liable for any injuries caused by a natural, (or untouched,) accumulation of snow or ice. …
Everybody knows that the government is out of money and needs to raise cash. However, do you understand the financial impact that the 2010 health care legislation will have on …
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month as well as National Family Caregiver Month. To appreciate the breadth of these issues, it is helpful to understand that the Alzheimer’s Association …
Choosing an attorney to represent you in any legal matter can be an especially daunting task. Should you rely on advertising you might have seen in the local media or …
Your home is usually the most valuable asset that you own. Estate planning lawyers are frequently asked how one’s home can be successfully transferred to their children without the expense …
So, you’re looking for financing for your business to allow it to remain viable through these difficult and volatile economic times. But you find that all your traditional sources of …
The days of mostly traditional American families are probably gone for good. The modern family of today is often a mix of spouses, exes, kids, and steps who somehow find …
Your home is typically the most valuable asset that you own. Estate-planning and elder-law attorneys are frequently asked how one’s home can ultimately be transferred to a client’s children without …
No one knows exactly when they will pass away, which means that it is never too soon to plan. Those left behind are called upon to tend to your final …
Summary: What do charitable giving and Medicaid have in common? As it turns out, quite a bit. Writing on behalf of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Springfield, Massachusetts …
It was not long ago that a typical family estate plan consisted of two wills, one for each spouse. Very few plans went beyond this. In today’s estate plans, however, …
There have been several new developments in employment law that may have an impact on small business. These cases involve various issues, including wage-and-hour and retaliation claims. While the facts …
Imagine this: an issue so big that when the governor signs a much-anticipated bill into law so many parents and families want to view the historic event that the signing …
Many people in the United States are currently considered disabled as defined by Social Security. Their disability may entitle them to receive various benefits that are provided by the federal …
One of the most common goals of people as they grow older and build their assets is to avoid the probate process. Although it is not necessary a horrendous ordeal, …
After a loss from the recent tornadoes in Western Mass., most people called their home insurer. Shortly thereafter, an agent showed up at the home to inspect it. Within a …
In January 2009, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted the new Uniform Probate Code (MUPC). Although certain provisions of the MUPC pertaining to guardians and conservators came into effect on July 1, …
Maintaining your estate plan is very important, regardless of your health or age. In fact, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has already drafted a will for you, so if you want …
The conventional gender roles are eroding quickly as women have made great strides in the world of business and politics. It has become increasingly uncommon to see the likes of …
The benefits of planning your estate, in money saved and peace of mind, make getting started on a plan one of the best ways to care for your loved ones …
There have been several new developments in employment law that may have an impact on small business. These cases involve various issues, including wage and hour and retaliation claims. While …
There comes a point when most of our nation’s elders will need assistance with various tasks, such as household management, bathing, dressing, medication management, meal preparation and eating, transferring, and/or …
In May, we celebrate Mother’s Day, honoring mothers and showering them with love and attention. Most could not bear to think of their mother facing any adversity, and when it …
Real estate has such great value and is such a basic form of wealth and prestige that many special laws have been enacted for its protection. As a result, a …
As you complete your Spring cleaning this year, one of the most important things you can organize is your estate plan. If your estate plan is organized, your affairs can …
When a Massachusetts resident passes away, every asset that he or she owns is subject to estate tax. Estate tax is imposed by both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (state estate …
This past year brought about several developments in employment law that have a potential impact on Western Massachusetts business. Employers in Massachusetts must comply with both state and federal law, …
Many of us, at one time or another, have seen an IRS form titled 1099. Most of us are familiar with the more usual versions of that form including: The …
With the arrival of Valentine’s Day in February, many of us reflect on the relationships that are most important to us. While the focus is typically on romantic love, many …
Parents of young children, particularly children under the age of 5, often wonder whether their child is meeting all the important developmental milestones. Many guiltily admit that they want to …
There are currently approximately 25 million veterans alive in the United States, many of whom are not disabled. In addition, there are over 9 million surviving spouses of veterans, many …
Any estate planner will tell you that your legal house is not in order if you have not yet completed the four basic estate planning documents as discussed below. 1. …