Posts Categorized: Family

How Do I Get An Elderly Relative Declared Mentally Incompetent?

In Massachusetts, declaring an elderly relative mentally incompetent involves a legal process designed to protect their rights while ensuring their safety and well-being. Here are the steps to follow: Declaring an elderly relative mentally incompetent is a significant step that should only be taken after careful consideration and only if it is in the best… Read More »

What is the Difference between Guardianship and Conservatorship in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, when making decisions for individuals who cannot manage their personal and financial affairs for various reasons, two legal mechanisms come into play: guardianship and conservatorship. While both have a similar purpose, they have distinct differences in scope and responsibilities. Let’s look at the differences between guardianship and conservatorship in Massachusetts. What Is Guardianship?… Read More »

How Do I Protect My Loved One`s Inheritance?

Planning your estate is about distributing assets and confirming that your loved ones are taken care of in the best possible way. Sometimes, you may be concerned about a beneficiary who may not have the financial discipline to handle a substantial inheritance responsibly. In such cases, Massachusetts offers various estate planning strategies to protect and… Read More »

How Do I Plan For A Future with Alzheimer’s Disease?

Acquiring a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming, both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. While the journey ahead may seem uncertain, it is important to take proactive steps to ensure that your needs will be met in the future. Planning early can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the… Read More »

Special Needs Trust vs. Supplemental Needs Trust.  What’s the Difference? 

When planning for the future of a loved one with special needs, understanding the intricacies of financial tools is crucial. In Massachusetts, two common options for providing financial support are Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) and Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNTs). While both serve to safeguard the financial well-being of individuals with special needs, they differ in… Read More »

Aging in Place in Massachusetts — How to Support Your Elderly Relatives 

As our loved ones age, the desire to age in place—remaining in their own homes for as long as possible—becomes increasingly important. In Massachusetts, resources and strategies are available to help elderly relatives maintain their independence and quality of life while staying in familiar surroundings. Today, we will examine how you can support your elderly… Read More »

Unlocking Stability The Benefits of Placing Your Home in a Trust in Massachusetts

For Massachusetts homeowners, the decision to place their residence in a trust can offer a range of advantages that extend beyond the typical realm of estate planning. A revocable living trust, in particular, provides a versatile and powerful tool for securing the future of your home and simplifying the complexities of property management. Here are… Read More »

Selecting the Right Helpers for Your Estate Plan in Massachusetts A Guide

When making an estate plan, one of the most critical decisions is choosing who will carry out your wishes after your passing or act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This decision demands careful consideration and understanding of the legal landscape in Massachusetts, which we at O’Connell Law have. Today, we’ll delve into the… Read More »

Asset Protection in Massachusetts Estate Planning: Safeguarding Your Legacy

When you think of estate planning, you probably think of drafting a will or specifying who will getyour assets after your passing, but estate planning goes deeper than that. It involves acomprehensive strategy to protect your wealth, ensuring your loved ones receive their rightfulinheritance while minimizing potential risks, such as taxation and creditor claims. In… Read More »