Software programs and Web sites selling customized, do-it-yourself wills and other estate planning documents seem to offer an inexpensive and convenient alternative to visiting an estate planning attorney. Nobody really likes to discuss their dying wishes and health care directives with a perfect stranger. Additionally, most people are wary of attorney fees. Read more
When people consider estate planning, they often think that preparing a will, or perhaps a trust will cover their needs. Certainly, these documents are very important to guarantee that property passes according to ones wishes upon death. However, when one considers estate planning, it is important to think of managing ones affairs not only after death, but also during ones life. Read more
The sign on the glass door reads “Elder Law Attorney.” You peer through that door but the office is empty–where is the elder law attorney?
She is probably in the community making a house call – yes, elder law attorneys still make house calls. A paralegal and the elder law attorney first witnessed a dying man sign legal documents and immediately afterwards heard his daughter call the hospital asking for an ambulance to take him there. She explained that he wanted pain killing medication but no treatment to lengthen his life. Read more
The Massachusetts Health Care Proxy is a basic and essential legal document that allows you to name someone you know and trust to make health care decisions for you if, for any reason and at any time, you become unable to make or communicate those decisions for yourself. Under the Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to Health Care Proxies, a person must be a competent adult 18 years of age or older before he can appoint a Health Care Agent, and that Agent must also be a competent adult who is at least 18 years of age at the time he or she is appointed. Read more
