Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 7

Back-to-School Emergency Plan: Four Things You Need To Do Now as Part of Your Estate Plan

August 22, 2012 by Kristina Vickstrom, Esq.

Contrary to popular belief, your school Emergency Contact Form will not keep your children from spending time in the hands of social services if something bad happens to you. The emergency form only gives named contacts permission to pick your child up if they are sick, not to take short-term custody of your children if one or both parents die or are incapacitated due to illness or an accident.

For this reason, I recommend creating a back to school emergency plan as your kids head back this fall, so there is no confusion or legal headaches should you find yourself in this situation. This plan, with the help of your estate planning attorney, can be created in four easy steps: [Read more…]

Is Your Loved One in Nursing Home or Long-Term Care for Alzheimer’s or Dementia? New Massachusetts Legislation Will Regulate Care

August 16, 2012 by Kristina Vickstrom, Esq.

These days it can be difficult to meet someone whose life has not been touched by Alzheimer’s. Most people have seen a parent, grandparent, or perhaps an in-law suffer from this disease, and the havoc it can wreak on the family.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 120,000 have Alzheimer’s in Massachusetts and that number will grow as baby boomers age. Nearly 50% of those aged 85 and older will develop Alzheimer’s, and of those aged 65, nearly 1 in 8 will develop the fatal disease.

Until very recently, there was even more for Massachusetts families to worry about. Before bill H 3947 was signed into law by Governor Patrick this week, nursing homes could advertise dementia or Alzheimer’s care without actually having any special accommodations for residents suffering from these conditions or any kind of special training for their staff. [Read more…]

Special Needs Trust Planning Vital to those with Special Needs Children

July 13, 2012 by Kristina Vickstrom, Esq.

Many improvements have been made improving the quality of life for the 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has risen from age 25 in 1983 to age 60 presently. Similar improvements have also been made across the board for those living with special needs. With quality educational programs, a stimulating and supportive home environment, good health care, and positive support from friends and the community, people with Down syndrome can develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. However, the longer life expectancy has families dealing with issues they may not have had to deal with in the past. Considering a Special Needs Trust is a great way to overcome this obstacle. [Read more…]

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 Vickstrom, Esq.

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 Vickstrom, Esq.

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 Vickstrom, Esq.

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 Vickstrom, Esq.

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 Vickstrom, Esq.

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 Vickstrom, Esq.

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…]