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Some Seniors are Losing Their Homes Due to Unpaid Property Taxes

October 2, 2012 by Kristina

An 81-year-old woman in Rhode Island was evicted shortly before Christmas from the home she had lived in for more than 40 years – because she failed to pay a $474 sewer bill. A corporation then bought her house at a tax sale for $836.39…and later resold it for $85,000. While this is an extreme case, it’s a symptom of a growing trend. More and more seniors around the country are being forced to pay large, unnecessary fees – or even losing their homes – as a result of unpaid property taxes.

Because property taxes aren’t regular monthly expenses like utility or cable bills, they’re often among the first things that seniors overlook if they begin to have some difficulty managing their own affairs. And they’re frequently missed by children and caretakers as well. Also, many older people who have recently finished paying off a mortgage aren’t used to paying their property tax bills, because for decades they were paid directly by the lender. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Conservatorship, Durable Power of Attorney, Elder Needs, Guardianship, Uncategorized Tagged With: seniors, unpaid property taxes

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Legal Options and Financial Support

September 27, 2011 by Kristina

With the decline of the traditional nuclear family, individuals over 50 are increasingly vested with responsibility for the caretaking of young children and adolescents. Financial problems are the primary cause of seniors having to assume more “traditional” child-rearing duties. Whether due to a divorce, military service, substance abuse, mental illness or other secondary issues, some adults may be unable or simply unwilling to be good parents themselves. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Family, Guardianship, Uncategorized Tagged With: caregiver authorization, caregivers, child, elder, estate plan, Family, Massachusetts, seniors

Marrying Later in Life: Do I Need a Prenup?

September 15, 2011 by Kristina

Welcome to the new singles scene. With the average life expectancy in the United States about 78 years old, people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before and more and more seniors are falling in love. However, what can be a thrilling and romantic time for an older couple can also be an anxious time for family members that have expectations regarding inheritance. It is worth noting that once married, a spouse will automatically inherit, at the very least, a portion of deceased partner’s estate, unless measures are taken to avoid this. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Family, Prenuptial Agreements, Uncategorized Tagged With: elder marriage, estate planning, Prenuptial Agreements, second marriages, seniors

Applying for MassHealth: Is the No-Cost Solution Really “No-Cost”?

July 27, 2011 by Kristina

Medicaid, or MassHealth as it is referred to in Massachusetts, is an avenue available for funding long-term nursing home care. To qualify, you must meet asset thresholds that many elders exceed. Additionally there are income requirements for MassHealth/Mediciad. Adequate understanding of MassHealth/Medicaid law and proper strategizing is a critical component of any plan for the future. With the proper planning of an elder-law attorney, you can protect your property, spouse, and assets. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Elder Needs, Longterm Care, MassHealth Tagged With: caregivers, elder, elder law, elder law attorney, Family, Massachusetts, MassHealth, MassHealth Planning, Medicaid, nursing home, seniors

Parent-Child Role Reversal

June 3, 2011 by Kristina

Most everyone would say that they want to be independent and remain in their own homes as long as possible. This sense of autonomy can be kept in place longer than ever before due to medical advances, assistive devices, and in-home care provided by family members and private caretakers. However, what happens when an elder can no longer remain safely in their home and an adult child is trying to get them the help they need?

Esther is 89 years old. She has lived alone since the death of her husband 23 years ago. She gave up driving two years ago, but is regularly visited by her children and grandchildren, who take care of errands or drive her to handle things herself. Lately, she has been rather unsteady on her feet. Mother and DaughterAdditionally, she has been very forgetful and once left the stove on all night. She is also having trouble remembering to take her medications. There were so many her daughter, Susan, sorts them every week into a pill box. Esther still forgets to take them and sometimes actually doubles up on doses. Susan can see its time for more help but Esther is adamant about not having strangers in the house and doesn’t want to end up in “one of those places…” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Conservatorship, Elder Needs, Family, Guardianship, Health Care Proxy, Uncategorized Tagged With: caregivers, Durable Power of Attorney, elder, elder law, elder law attorney, elders, estate plan, fall, Family, home bound, major life events, seniors

Hoarding: How to Help a Loved One Declutter

September 2, 2010 by Kristina

The issue of hoarding has recently gathered a great deal of attention, particularly due to news reports and popular television shows.  However, hoarding is not a new or a small problem. The problem of hoarding has been documented since the turn of the century and is thought to significantly affect nearly 15 million Americans, many of them elderly. A great article recently appeared in the Boston Herald dealing with the clinical aspects of Hoarding.  Unfortunately, research has been lacking in this area – until now. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Elder Needs, Family, Guardianship, Housecalls, Uncategorized Tagged With: attorney, child, elder, elders, Family, home bound, Massachusetts, seniors, worcester, worcester county

Letting Software or Online Service Plan Your Estate: Is It Worth the Risk?

August 17, 2010 by Kristina

There are several websites that offer customized, do-it-yourself wills and other estate planning documents. These computer-based services appear to offer the consumer a cost-effective and convenient alternative to visiting an Estate Planning or Elder Law attorney. Or do they? Is online estate planning worth the convenience and initial savings? How do the documents created compare to those that a qualified attorney would produce? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Durable Power of Attorney, Elder Needs, Estate Plan Review, Estate Taxes, Family, Federal Estate Taxes, Health Care Proxy, Trusts, Uncategorized, Wills Tagged With: attorney, caregivers, elder law, estate plan, Estate Tax, Health Care Proxy, Massachusetts, Probate Court, Revocable Living Trust, seniors, Software, worcester county

More Protection Than a Health Care Proxy Alone?! MOLST – a Pilot Program in Worcester

May 13, 2010 by Kristina

Some people think that Elder Law and Estate Planning attorneys are only useful further down the road. They think, “I’m healthy. I don’t need to worry about those things now.” Even while you are healthy, there is one document that everyone over the age of 18 should have in place: a Health Care Proxy (HCP). A health care proxy is necessary to ensure that someone, a health care agent, will be available to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them on your own because you are incapacitated. Currently, in Worcester County, another form is also worth considering: the Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form. This medical order works with the HCP to inform your health care agent and your doctors what you actually want to happen in various circumstances. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Elder Needs, Family, Guardianship, Health Care Proxy, Massachusetts Legislation, Uncategorized Tagged With: attorney, caregivers, elder, elder law, elder law attorney, elders, Health Care Proxy, home bound, major life events, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Legislation, preparedness, seniors, worcester, worcester county

Obama’s Middle Class Task Force Recommendations Include Caregiver Initiative and Retirement Funds Security

April 14, 2010 by Kristina

One year ago, President Obama appointed a Task Force on the Middle Class to create a plan to help middle class families get back on their feet and bring our economy out of recession. Recently, this task force announced its recommendations, which included a $102.5 million Caregiver Initiative, and a plan to secure your retirement funds. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Legislation, Uncategorized Tagged With: caregivers, Federal, seniors, Taxes

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

April 7, 2010 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 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 (Certain counties in Massachusetts, including Worcester and Middlesex, have had tax deadlines extended to May 15th, because they have been declared Federal Disaster Areas due to the recent floodings). [Read more…]

Filed Under: Elder Needs, Family, Uncategorized Tagged With: elders, Massachusetts, seniors, tax credits, Taxes

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Vickstrom Law


Vickstrom Law, PC
Kristina R. Vickstrom, Esq.
172 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA 01604
508.757.3800


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