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We are Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys in Boston, Massachusetts, providing Medicaid Planning, Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Planning for Solo Seniors, Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Probate of Estates. We are caring attorneys ready to help you, whether you are planning in advance or facing a crisis. Our Blog provides information that may be helpful to our clients.
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Medicaid Home Care: Helping You Remain in Your Own Home
Traditionally, Medicaid has paid for long-term care in a nursing home, but because most individuals would rather be cared for at home and...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Mar 6, 20192 min read
IRS Issues Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2019
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2019 income as a result of buying long-term...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Nov 29, 20182 min read
Signs to look for this holiday season that your aging loved one needs help.
One of the greatest blessings of the holiday season is gathering with friends and loved ones that we don't normally see throughout the...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Nov 8, 20182 min read
Three Reasons Why Giving Your House to Your Children Isn't the Best Way to Protect It From Medicaid
You may be afraid of losing your home if you have to enter a nursing home and apply for Medicaid. While this fear is well-founded,...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Nov 8, 20183 min read
GOP Tax Plan Could Deal Blow to Seniors Paying for Long Term Care
The tax plan put forward by the Republican-led House of Representatives would eliminate many current deductions, and getting rid of one...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Nov 9, 20172 min read
Be Aware of the Kiddie Tax Before Leaving an IRA to Children
Grandparents may be tempted to leave an IRA to a grandchild because children have a low tax rate, but the "kiddie tax" could make doing...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Oct 17, 20172 min read
Why you should use a lawyer for Medicaid/MassHealth Planning
Many seniors and their families don't use a lawyer to plan for long-term care or Medicaid/ MassHealth, often because they're afraid of...
Kathy McNair, Esq.
Sep 6, 20173 min read
The Use of Immediate Annuities in Medicaid Planning for Married Couples
In Massachusetts, immediate annuities are often used to protect the spouse of a nursing home resident who applies for MassHealth. ...
Kathy McNair, Esq.
Jun 23, 20174 min read
Four things that are often forgotten in wills and estate plans
Even if you've written an estate plan, are you sure you included everything you need to? There are certain things that people often...
Kathy McNair, Esq.
Mar 30, 20173 min read
When you want to leave your home to your children: What are the consequences of Joint Tenancy v. Rev
When leaving a home to your children, you can avoid probate by using either joint ownership or a revocable trust, but which is the better...
Kathy McNair, Esq.
Mar 3, 20173 min read
Can Life Insurance Affect Your Medicaid (MassHealth) Eligibility?
In order to qualify for Medicaid in Massachusetts, which is also referred to as "MassHealth", you can't have more than $2,000 in assets. ...
Kathy McNair, Esq.
Jan 10, 20172 min read
Make Reviewing Your Estate Plan One of Your New Year's Resolutions
The beginning of a new year is a good time to take a look at your estate plan to make sure it is up to date. Less than half of people...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Jan 3, 20175 min read
Helpful Guides When You Are Appointed to Manage Someone Else's Money
Have you been officially asked to manage someone else's money? For example, have you been named as an agent under a power of attorney or...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Dec 12, 20163 min read
Protecting Assets When Your Spouse Needs Nursing Home Care
In the Greater Boston area, nursing home care can cost over $130,000, per year. Medicare and private health insurance will only pay for...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Dec 8, 20163 min read
How to Pass Your Home to Your Children- Tax Free
For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. Giving your house to your children can have tax consequences, but there are...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Nov 30, 20163 min read
Caregiver Agreements are Important to avoid problems with Medicaid
November is Caregiver Month and a great time to make sure that when you act as a caregiver for a loved one or hire a caregiver that you...
Kathy McNair, Esq.
Nov 22, 20162 min read
It's Time To Reassess Your Medicare Options
Are your Medicare plans still working for you? Medicare's open enrollment period, in which you can enroll in or switch plans, runs from...
Kathy L. McNair, Esq.
Nov 18, 20162 min read
Anticipated Change to the Frail Elder Waiver Program for Married Elders
We anticipate a change coming soon that will affect married elders applying for the Frail Elder Waiver Program through MassHealth. The...
Kathy L. McNair
Nov 15, 20161 min read
Downsizing: Are you ready?
Spring has finally arrived— time to open the windows and let the fresh air in. But perhaps the thought of spring cleaning or tending to...
Pamela Crohan, Esq.
May 31, 20165 min read
The 3 Essential Estate Planning Documents
An estate plan should be customized for each individual, taking into account financial, familial, and personal factors. Therefore, it is...
Pamela Crohan, Esq.
Apr 29, 20165 min read
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