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"I get tremendous satisfaction from knowing that my clients are well-advised before making important decisions. While consistently accomplishing client objectives, assisting with tax savings, preserving assets for the next generation, and maintaining family harmony, I meet my clients' goals. I strive for each client's satisfaction and comfort with his or her plan."
Hyman, chair of the estate planning and elder law department, is recognized as the area's preeminent estate planner. He has extensive experience with all aspects of estate planning, trusts, tax law, probate and estates, guardianships, special needs trusts and planning, elder law, and long-term care planning. Additional specialties include adoption and real estate.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
Education
- Western New England College School of Law, Springfield, Massachusetts
- J.D. - 1977
- Boston University
- A.B. - 1972
Classes and Seminars
- Presenter, “Advocacy for Client in Nursing Homes,” Massachusetts Association of Social Workers, June 2021
- "Alternatives to Guardianship”, Estate Planning for the Ageing or Incapacitated Client in Massachusetts, MCLE, 5th Edition, 2021
- "Estate, Gift, an Income Tax Planning for the Advanced Planning Program,” NAELA, 2021
- Webinar Presenter, “Estate Planning in Uncertain Times” Boston University Alumni Association, May 27, 2020
- “IRA Contributions,” National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, December 2019
- “Elder Law: My Life, My Choice,” Western New England Law Review, 2019
Awards, Achievements & Appointments
- Recipient, Best Lawyer in Republican/MassLive ReaderRaves poll, 2014-2020
- Recipient, SuperLawyers Massachusetts and New England Award, Boston Magazine, 2005-2020
- Quoted, When Heirs Collide, Wall Street Journal, September 2014
- Quoted, Estate Planning: Put a Plan in Place to Ensure Pets’ Care, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, June 2013
- Quoted, Market Watch, 10 Things Estate Sales Won’t Tell You, Wall Street Journal, June 2013
- Quoted, Childless and Aging? Time to Designate a Caregiver, New York Times, September 11, 2012
- Guest, When Disaster Strikes—Couples Divorcing to Pay Medical Bills, TodayShow, March 13, 2010
Professional Associations and Memberships
- President, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, 2017-Present; Vice President 2015-2016; Treasurer 2013-2014
- Instructor, Bay Path College, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Probate
- Reader, Mass Mutual Children Center Kindergarten/Pre K class, 2004-Present
- Adjunct Professor, Western New England University School of Law, LLM Program
Contributor: Estate Planning Bits
Things Not to Include in a Will: Documents Have Limitations, and Some Language Is Not Suitable
Healthcare News, July 22, 2014
Restoring Veterans’ Benefits: Proposed Federal Legislation Could Bring Financial Changes
Healthcare News , April 1, 2014
Reverse Mortgages for the Affluent, Too: Are You Up to Speed on the Advantages and New Regulations for 2014?
BusinessWest, December 30, 2013
The Importance of the Special-needs Trust
BusinessWest, October 7, 2013
Does My Child Need Guardianship?
The Voice, June 1, 2013
Capital Idea: Changes in the Law Greatly Benefit Those Selling Their Homes
Healthcare News, May 1, 2013
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2012 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
February 21, 2013
Cliff Notes — A 2013 Tax Update — What’s Changed, and What Hasn’t
Healthcare News, February 1, 2013
Designating Beneficiaries: A Critical Step to Allocating Your Assets as You Desire
Healthcare News, December 1, 2012
Caring for Your Ailing or Aging Parent – Know and Fully Understand the Personal and Financial Ramifications
Healthcare News, October 1, 2012
Elders and Driving: The Delicate Balance Between Safety and Independence
Healthcare News, August 1, 2012
Usernames & Passwords & Logins, Oh My! Preventing a Disaster for Your Heirs
Westfield Evening News, July 26, 2012
Peace of Mind: A Health Care Proxy Ensures That Wishes Will Be Honored
BusinessWest, April 9, 2012
The Do-not-resuscitate Order: Understand the Significance of This Important Document
Healthcare News, February 1, 2012
Estate Planning in Blended Families Considerations for Couples with Children from Previous Relationships
Healthcare News, October 1, 2011
Charitable Giving and Medicaid Issues
August 30, 2011
Estate Planning: Not Just for Elders You Should Prepare Now to Prevent Future Problems
Healthcare News, June 1, 2011
Understanding Veterans’ Benefits Assistance: Is Available to Those Who Qualify Financially
BusinessWest, January 3, 2011
Life Insurance on a Child with Special Needs: Benefits and Challenges
The Voice, October 1, 2010
The Sunset Provision of Estate Taxes: How Much Tax Will Be Owed by the Survivors of Those Who Die in 2010?
Healthcare News, August 1, 2010
Life Insurance and Children with a Disability
The Voice, April 1, 2010
In Sickness and in Health – Long-term Care Costs Force Tough Choices
BusinessWest, March 29, 2010
Borderline Tax and Estate Planning: Know the Rules — and the Numbers — Before Making Your Move
BusinessWest, March 15, 2010
Usernames, Passwords, and Logins, Oh My! – How to Prevent a Potential Disaster for Your Heirs
BusinessWest, September 14, 2009
The Uniform Probate Code – Enhanced Protection Available for Those Needing Guardianship
BusinessWest, March 30, 2009
Planning Your Estate: When a “Simple Will” Won’t Suffice
Healthcare Ledger, October 1, 2008
Designating Beneficiaries
Healthcare Ledger, August 22, 2008
Planning Your Estate: When a “Simple Will” Won’t Suffice
The Voice, August 1, 2008
Special Needs Children: Proper Planning Can Preserve Assets to Support Them When You’re Gone
Healthcare Ledger, June 2, 2008
The Deed with Life Estate – A Smart Way to Preserve Your Home from Long Term Care Expenses
Healthcare News, May 2, 2008
Caring for Your Ailing or Aging Parent – Personal and Financial Ramifications
March 25, 2008
Fair Questions – Making a Case for Effectively Contesting a Will Isn’t Easy
Business to Business, Healthcare News, October 18, 2007
Home Sweet Home – Reverse Mortgages Can Keep You from Becoming Institutionalized
Healthcare News, August 21, 2007
What Are the Benefits of Hospice Care?
Healthcare Ledger, May 29, 2007
Co-owning Property with Your Spouse or Children – How To Chose the Right Type of Ownership
Prime, November 18, 2006
A Sense of Community – Assisted Living Facilities – A Means to Live Independently Longer
Healthcare News, June 19, 2006
Death Without the Estate Tax?
BusinessWest, December 16, 2005
Effective Planning to Transition a Business
Chamber Channels, August 12, 2004
New Massachusetts Estate Tax Exemptions Are Likely to Cause Hardships for the Unprepared
Quality Senior Guide, June 21, 2004
Preparing For Incapacity – The Durable Power of Attorney Helps Assure a Proper Flow of Funds
Healthcare News, May 16, 2004
Deed With Life Estate
Quality Senior Guide, October 30, 2003
End of the Year Tax Strategy – Charitable Planning
Loomis Advantage – The Newsletter of Loomis Communities, October 30, 2003
Smart College Planning With Section 529 Plans
Valley Business Outlook, February 20, 2003
Deed With Life Estate
Healthcare News, February 3, 2003
Nine Bacon Wilson Attorneys Selected as 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
October 19, 2015
Bacon Wilson, P.C. Attorneys Honored as 2014 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
October 23, 2014
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2013 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
October 30, 2013
Regional Law Firm Attorney Named Secretary of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
June 6, 2013
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2011 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
December 9, 2011
Regional Law Firm Attorney Attends National Elder and Special Needs Conference
June 1, 2011
Smart Tips for Parent-Child Family Finances
US News & World Report Money, March 4, 2011
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2010 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
December 17, 2010
In Sickness and in Health – Long-term Care Costs Force Tough Choices
BusinessWest, March 29, 2010
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2009 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
November 16, 2009
Regional Law Firm’s Attorney Named to American Cancer Society’s Nationwide Gift Planning Advisory Council
November 6, 2009
Springfield-Based Attorney is Appointed to National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Board
April 17, 2009
Local Lawyers Recognized as 2008 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
November 21, 2008
Bits and Hits – Estate-planning Blog Success Shows That Where’s a Will, There’s a Way Forward
BusinessWest, September 24, 2008
State of the Estate Tax – Beyond 2010: Uncertainty Reigns, but There’s Still Planning to Do
BusinessWest, September 17, 2008
Local Attorney Contributes to New Long Term Care Planning Book
May 27, 2008
Local Attorney Earns Distinction as a Certified Elder Law Attorney
April 21, 2008
Local Attorney Presents at National Seminars
November 12, 2007
Boston Magazine Distinguishes 7 New England SuperLawyers from Regional Law Firm
November 8, 2007
Local Lawyer Invited to Serve on Prestigious National Alliance
April 24, 2007
Partner in Regional Law Firm Presents at National Conference
November 22, 2006
Boston Magazine Distinguishes 9 SuperLawyers from Regional Law Firm
November 6, 2006
A Big Problem – For The Long Term, Recently Passed Legislation Dramatically Changes The Landscape of Medicaid Planning
Healthcare News, BusinessWest, March 7, 2006
Catching the blog wave – Law Firms See Benefits In A Growing Medium
BusinessWest, October 5, 2005
An overview of Powers of Attorney
October 3, 2013
DNR/Do Not Resuscitate: how is it different than a health proxy?
April 5, 2012
I won the lottery! Now what?
March 13, 2012
Preserving assets from a nursing home – advance planning over crisis planning
August 25, 2010
Remarriage estate planning: things to consider
August 11, 2010
Your health care agent – having that tough conversation
July 27, 2010
I’m Confused about Gift Tax and Medicaid – I Can Give My Money Away, Can’t I?
April 30, 2010
Why do I need a Will? I thought I was avoiding probate.
April 30, 2010
2010 Estate Tax – why some call 2010 the year to die
April 30, 2010
Seminar: Preserving the Family Gems June 11, 2014
Seminar: The Crystal Ball/Magic Wand Approach to Late Life Planning – 24th Western Massachusetts Elder Care Conference May 29, 2014
Seminar: Protect Your Assets from Long-term Expenses March 12, 2014
Seminar: Tax issues relative to sales of real estate September 11, 2013
Seminar: Plan Today Preserve Tomorrow September 27, 2012
Seminar: Mapping the Road Ahead June 13, 2012
Seminar: A Potpourri of Current Estate Related Issues November 30, 2011
Seminar: Tax Questions Answered: an Open Forum September 22, 2011
Seminar: Paralegal Program: Trust Administration June 10, 2011
Seminar: Unraveling the Medicaid Mystery June 9, 2011
Seminar: Securing Your Family’s Future Long Term and Asset Protection Planning: Long Term and Asset Protection Planning June 7, 2011
Seminar: Tax Section Free Webinar: The Attorney is Quarterback of the Estate May 25, 2011
Seminar: Protecting Your Assets April 26, 2011
Seminar: Estate Planning Primer June 10, 2010
Seminar: Changes to the New MUPC; Guardianship & Conservatorship – Substantive law, applicable procedures, forms and practice May 27, 2010
Seminar: Elder law planning for the general practitioner January 27, 2010
Seminar: Estate Planning for Real Estate Owners January 14, 2010
Seminar: Creating Special Needs Trusts January 8, 2010
Seminar: Estate planning and protecting your assets January 5, 2010
Seminar: Demystifying the Emerging Treatment & Law of Eldercare December 9, 2009
Seminar: Use of Paralegals in a private law practice November 18, 2009
Seminar: Utilization of Paralegals November 16, 2009
Seminar: When It’s All Going to the Dogs: A Primer on the Emerging Trend of Pet Trusts and Estate Planning November 15, 2009
Seminar: Elder Law and Asset Planning Techniques October 27, 2009
Lecturer: “How to Afford a Retirement Community”, Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, March 12, 2014
Lecturer: Tax Truths and Myths, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Washington D.C., November 2013
Lecturer: Pre and Post Mortem Estate Planning Options Regarding Estate, Gift and Income Taxes, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Washington D.C. November 2013
Contributing Author: “The CPA’s Guide to Long-Term Care Planning”, May 2008
Author: Fair Questions – Making a Case for Effectively Contesting a Will Isn’t Easy, BusinessWest & Healthcare News, October 2007
Lecturer: Succession Planning, The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ Advanced Elder Law Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah
Elder Law TV Show, Wilbraham Public Access TV, various dates and times, Fall 2006
Lecturer: Getting Your Affairs In Order, May 2005
Author: “Conservators and Guardianship in MA Estate,” MCLE, 1992, 1996, 2004
Guest: WARE Radio Medicaid Show, March 2004
Co-Author: “Understanding Special Needs Trusts in MA” Professional Education Systems Institute, 2003
Guest: WWLP TV Senior Showcase, November 2003
Lecturer: “Preservation of Assets and Medicaid Rules Update,” October, 2002
Lecturer: Investment Educational Forum, October, 2002
Author, “Life Estates,” Trusts and Estates, May 2002
Presenter: “Preserving the House from Long Term Care Costs,” Hampden County Bar Association, 2002
Presenter: “Charitable Giving in the 90’s,” Hampden County Estate Planning Council
Co-Chair: “Estate Planning For Elders in Crisis,” MCLE, 2001
Presenter and Author: “Family Business Succession,” National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May, 2000 Presenter and Author: “Tax Consequences of Transfer of Real Estate,” National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, St. Louis, Missouri, 2001
Presenter: “Child Records in Massachusetts,” P.S.I., 2001
Author: “Use of Trusts,” MCLE, 2001
Author: “Basic Estate Planning,” MCLE, 2000
Author: “Elder Law Basics,” MCLE, 2003, 2000
Lecturer: “Medicaid Planning in Massachusetts,” MCLE, 1998
Author: “Preserving the Family Residence,” MCLE, 1996-1997
Author: “Last Rites for the Massachusetts Estate Tax,” MCLE, 1996-1997
Author: “The Simple Estate Plan,” MCLE, 1996
Lecturer: “Health Care Issues for Elderly & Incapacitated Clients,” MCLE, 1989-1994
Author & Panelist: “Nominee Trusts,” 1994
Presenter: “Common Estate Planning Errors,” MCLE, 1992, 1994
Author: “Estate Planning for AIDS Clients,” MCLE, 1991
Lecturer: “Medicaid/Estate Planning for the Elderly,” MCLE, 1990
Lecturer: “Basic Probate in Massachusetts,” National Business Institute, 1987, 1989
Contributing Author: “Families Adopting Children Everywhere,” Becker, 1988
Lecturer: “Beyond the Safety Net III,” MCLE, 1988