It seems like every other week there are reports from the Hingham police or Massachusetts attorney general about telephone scams targeting seniors. While it is impossible to keep track of all of the variations, there are some themes that should make you suspicious. These warning signs can also be applied to email scams. Beware of… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Leanna
Gifts for Aging Parents (and other people who don’t need more stuff)
I remember when I was little trying to figure out a gift for my nana at Christmas. My mother used to to tell me that my grandmother didn’t want more stuff, but rather something from our heart. A picture, a sleepover (where she let me cheat at go-fish and eat chocolate chips) or some help… Continue Reading
What Can Special Needs Trust Funds Be Spent On?
A frequent concern with parents of special needs children who have set up a special needs trust for that child is making sure that the child gets the most use out of the money. The limitations put on the expenditures by Social Security and other regulations can sometimes make parents or other family trustees hesitant… Continue Reading
I’m Retired, Now What?
Clients often come to me when they are nearing retirement, or shortly after, to update their estate plans. They find themselves with enormous amounts of paperwork from their former job about their various retirement benefits, have started getting mail from organizations who want their money or time and may find themselves dealing with confusing insurance… Continue Reading
Probating A Will In Massachusetts
If you have been appointed as the personal representative (formerly called the executor) of someone’s will in Massachusetts, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the job. The legal requirements and responsibilities of the job are not minor and you may find yourself in difficulties if certain steps aren’t followed. While in general it is best… Continue Reading
Can I Change My Will Without Telling My Spouse?
Like many things in the law, it depends. In general, you can change your will without informing your spouse. (One big exception to this would be if one of you has filed for divorce and there is a restraining order on assets.) This can sometimes come up if there are marital difficulties and you want… Continue Reading
What Was James Gandolfini’s Mistake?
As is the custom when a celebrity dies, there is a rush to analyze what he or she left behind, who is getting what and how they are fighting about it. That is certainly the case with actor James Gandolfini, who passed away in June at age 51, leaving a 9 month old daughter and… Continue Reading
Making The Most of A Meeting With Your Attorney
Visiting an attorney can be a big (and scary) step, especially depending on why you are there. You are most likely paying to visit the attorney (or at least taking time out of your day to be there) so here are some tips to get the most out of your visit. Know what you hope… Continue Reading
“Grantor Deed and Property Profile” Scam
A colleague was telling me the other day about a situation she ran into. She received a call from a client asking her why she was getting a bill for $83.00 from some place in Washington, D.C. for a “grant deed and property profile.” Her client was upset that she was getting a bill, when… Continue Reading
“We Can’t Decide On Guardians for the Kids”
This is, by far, the number one thing that holds up parents of young children on their way to the attorney’s office to get their wills and guardianship nominations done. I’ve had people tell me that their solution was to just wait until the kids turned 18 to do any sort of planning so they… Continue Reading