Monteforte Law Blog
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Our attorneys and staff are happy to share what they have learned about estate planning and elder law in these thoughtful blog posts. Take advantage of their experience and knowledge and stay up on what you need to know. Monteforte Law P. C. specializes in helping moderate to high-earning families protect their assets and plan for the future.
Monteforte Law Blog
19h ago
Want to See Me Boil Over? Show Me This Type of Attorney Bio!
When scrolling through attorney bios, it’s common to find a list of practice areas as long as my arm. Real estate, corporate law, civil litigation, mergers & acquisitions, and estate planning, all neatly piled under one name. This isn't a firm boasting about its diverse team's expertise; it's often just one attorney claiming mastery over what should each be full-time careers on their own. With estate planning tacked on at the end, like some sort of afterthought! Show me that bio and I’ll show you a liar. Immediately I feel the ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
5d ago
Tony Bennett's Estate Battle: The Crucial Importance of Choosing the Right Trustee
When the legendary Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, we all felt the loss of a true musical icon. But behind the scenes, his family was thrown into a legal battle over his estate—a mess that could've been avoided with better planning and the right trustee in place. This situation hits close to home for many families and serves as a stark reminder: who you choose as your trustee can make or break your family's future.
As someone who's spent years helping families navigate estate planning, I've ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
2w ago
Why Using LegalZoom for Your ILIT Is a Ridiculous—and Risky—Idea
In today’s fast-paced world, more people are turning to online services to handle important legal matters. Whether it’s creating a will, forming a business, or establishing a trust, sites like LegalZoom promise to make the process easy and cheap. But when it comes to an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT), using a one-size-fits-all online platform isn’t just a bad idea—it’s outright ridiculous.
An ILIT is one of the most complex and powerful estate planning tools available, and if it’s not done corre ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
3w ago
Estate Tax Secrets Massachusetts Doesn’t Want You to Know
Did you know that Massachusetts has one of the lowest estate tax thresholds in the country? If your estate is valued over $2 million, the Commonwealth could claim a significant portion of your hard-earned wealth upon your passing. To make matters worse, that $2 Million is made up of your home equity, retirement accounts, life insurance death benefits, bank and investment accounts, and potentially even business assets. That’s a reality many affluent families are unaware of, and it’s information the government isn’t exactly b ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
1M ago
The Ultimate Guide for the Sandwich Generation: Secure Your Parents’ and Kids’ Future with Estate Planning
What Is the Sandwich Generation?
The term Sandwich Generation refers to adults—often in their 40s and 50s—who are responsible for the care of both their parents and their children. They’re financially supporting their children’s education and extracurricular activities, while also managing medical bills, caregiving duties, and estate matters for their elderly parents. It’s a difficult balancing act, one that often leaves people feeling stretched thin.
Many families today find themselves ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
1M ago
Greed Over Compassion: How Leaders Stole from the Neediest Among Us
When I read the recent report about New York school staff using grant money—money intended for homeless students—to take their own families on trips to places like Disney World, it made my blood boil. The program was meant to give kids who have nothing a chance at experiences they wouldn’t otherwise get. Instead, these employees decided it was their families, not the homeless children, who deserved the trips.
Let’s be clear—this isn’t just about misuse of funds. It’s about stealing from children. Homeless childr ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
1M ago
From Laundry to Naps: The Hidden Costs of Remote Work on Your Business
Let’s talk about remote work. On the surface, it seems like a great deal. No commute, no office distractions, and employees can “work” in their pajamas, right? But the truth is a little different. A recent survey revealed what many business owners have long suspected: remote workers aren’t glued to their desks all day. They’re multitasking, running errands, folding laundry, even taking naps—all while on the clock. One in five remote workers even admitted to taking a snooze during work hours.
Here’s the thing ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
1M ago
The Menendez Brothers: A Crime That Shocked the Nation
In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez were thrust into the national spotlight when they were charged with the brutal murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. Initially, the brothers claimed the crime was committed by unknown assailants, but as the investigation unfolded, a much darker family narrative emerged—one filled with secrets, abuse, and betrayal.
The Menendez brothers alleged they killed their parents as a result of years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse inflicted by their father ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
1M ago
Why You Need to Act Now: Estate Tax Loopholes Are Closing No Matter Who Wins in 2024
With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, there’s plenty of speculation about what changes could be on the horizon. One thing, however, is almost certain: the estate tax loopholes that high-net-worth families have relied on for years are going to close. Regardless of who wins, tax reform is coming—and it’s coming fast. If you’ve been putting off estate planning or think you have time to wait, now is the time to act. Waiting could cost your family millions in unnecessary taxes, and you ..read more
Monteforte Law Blog
1M ago
What a Sinking Ship Teaches Us About Estate Planning
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a boat, you’ve probably heard the saying: “The two best days of a boat owner’s life are the day they buy it and the day they sell it.” For one man, Chris Willson, the best day was when he finally sold his 293-foot cruise ship—because just seven months later, it started sinking! Yes, you read that right. According to this article on CNN.com, Chris found his dream ship on Craigslist (because why wouldn’t you buy a cruise ship online?) and spent the next 15 years of his life and life savings restoring it ..read more