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Many Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy Documents Should be Revised in Massachusetts

May 17, 2012 by 3mediaweb

If you’ve had legal documents drafted in Massachusetts pertaining to your health, financial, and long-term care wishes, you should have them reviewed and revised now! Massachusetts laws relating to powers of attorney and health care proxies have recently changed. This along with federal medical privacy laws can affect your already-created documents.

The federal law, known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), generally prevents health care providers from disclosing your personal medical information to anyone other than you and someone you’ve named as your “personal representative.” Frequently you will sign medical releases at your physician’s office allowing them to communicate with any specialists you are seeing, like a podiatrist or a cardiologist. Protecting your medical privacy is very important but the law can create some complications. [Read more…]

Estate Planning Lessons from Rachael Ray

May 11, 2012 by Kristina

I’d love to be able to tell you that I make it home in time to fix a delicious and nutritious home-cooked meal every weeknight. But, as I’m sure you know, until someone comes along to invent the 28-hour day, it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. Fortunately, my husband is at least semi-skilled with a spatula and measuring cup.

Inspiration from the Food Network

Still, I do love the challenge of a new, never-been-tried recipe. Usually it’s something that friends or family have recommended or I’ve managed to catch a few minutes of on Food Network. Personally, I’m partial to Bobby Flay and Alton Brown, Rachael Ray‘s great when I don’t have a lot of time. Who’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments. [Read more…]

Whitney Houston’s Estate Plan: Good, But Not Great

April 27, 2012 by Kristina

Whitney Houston’s tragic death provides an example of how a trust that takes effect upon death can work as part of an estate plan. But Houston’s estate plan has some surprising aspects as well; there were pieces of her plan that could have, and likely should have, been better.

The late singer’s will leaves everything to her 19-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, but Kristina can’t access her mother’s estimated $20 million fortune right away because it is in a trust. [Read more…]

Let Someone Know Your Medical Wishes For National Healthcare Decisions Day

April 13, 2012 by Kristina

National Healthcare Decisions Day is on April 16^th, and it’s an important reminder for every adult to let someone know their most private wishes about medial treatments and possible end-of-life care. [Read more…]

Massachusetts’ Seniors May Consider Filing State Tax Returns for Circuit Breaker Credit Refunds

February 17, 2012 by Kristina

As we all know, tax season has been in full swing for many weeks now, and it is almost over for some. But, did you know that even if you did not have to file a tax return, as a senior, it may be beneficial for you to do so? Did you know there is a tax credit only available to seniors in Massachusetts who pay rent or real estate taxes? There is, and it is called the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. Even if you don’t owe any taxes at all, you may be eligible for this credit, and it is just like money in your pocket. [Read more…]

Why Single People in Worcester County Should Consider Estate Planning

January 25, 2012 by Kristina

When we typically think of estate planning, we see grandma and grandpa putting together a Will and possibly setting up some trusts for the following generations. It’s all about providing for our offspring, right? [Read more…]

How Do I Bring Up the Topic of Estate Planning to My Parents?

December 27, 2011 by Kristina

In Worcester, just as everywhere else in the nation, there is a tendency for people to put off estate planning. Elder law attorneys, like Kristina Vickstrom, recognize that there are multiple factors that lead people to procrastinate when it comes to the estate planning process. [Read more…]

Choosing the Right Executor for Your Estate

December 15, 2011 by Kristina

In the event of illness or incapacitation, most individuals have an idea as to how health matters and property distribution should proceed. However, delegating complete authority over your estate administration to one individual to serve as Trustee, Personal Representative (formerly Executor in Massachusetts), and agent under a Health Care Proxy and financial Power of Attorney can be a significant and oftentimes difficult decision. Personal integrity, familiarity with the needs of your estate, financial knowledge, competency, and willingness to take on such responsibilities are the more obvious qualifications of a Personal Representative, but there other important considerations. [Read more…]

I Take Care of My Mother. Can I Legally Get Paid for That?

November 30, 2011 by Kristina

As the number of family members providing care for aging parents increases, the solutions to find help with loss of income because of time off from employment for caregiving has become a major concern for many. The demands on both the time and energy needed to provide the needed care can make it impossible to maintain both a full time job with full time caregiving. [Read more…]

Fall Prevention in the Aging Population

November 2, 2011 by Kristina

From time to time I like to feature local experts with tips and advice for improving senior’s lives. This week’s blog is written by my colleague, Dr. Don Pelto of Central Massachusetts Podiatry. Dr. Pelto specializes in many foot ailments and writes about how you can be proactive by avoiding falls among elders. [Read more…]