O.J. Simpson: A Controversial Figure through the Lens of Estate Planning The recent passing of O.J. Simpson has sparked a lot of thinking about his life, what he achieved, and especially, his legal troubles. As people try to make sense of the legacy, good or bad, that he's left behind, it's important to talk about estate planning, especially when it comes to managing his properties and money. From Hollywood Glamour to Judicial Scandal Originally from San Francisco, California, Simpson was known for his skills as a football player ..read more

The Crucial Divide: Estate Planning vs. Elder Law This is a topic that's close to my heart and crucial for anyone navigating the complexities of planning for the future. It's about understanding the fine line between estate planning and elder law – and trust me, it's not just legal jargon. It's the difference between safeguarding your future and potentially stumbling into pitfalls. Some estate planning lawyers are also elder attorneys. But SOME are NOT! Never confuse the two, or you could be setting yourself up for big problems and a major loss of assets. If your estate planner isn’t also an ..read more

Our Recent Court Success Against MassHealth I recently got the chance to beat up on MassHealth in court, and we achieved an amazing victory! It's part of our commitment to fighting tirelessly for our clients, especially against daunting adversaries like MassHealth. They like to push people around.  This case revolved around a long-term care application filed with MassHealth, which, despite our thorough and timely submission, led to an unexpected and challenging ordeal. But I guess I should never be surprised at their actions any more – they continue to stoop lower and lower.  The sag ..read more

Jay Leno didn't have an estate plan in place, and now he’s paying the price.  Jay Leno's "Oops" Moment:  We all love a good laugh with Jay Leno, but his recent slip-up has us shaking our heads. You see, Jay had to file for conservatorship for his wife because he didn't quite have his estate planning ducks in a row. Jay’s wife has dementia, and if they had a completed estate plan, the sad and difficult time would have been much easier. But because he doesn’t, it isn’t. Instead, he has to treat her like she’s Britney Spears.  A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to name someone ..read more

Why January is the Prime Time for Estate Planning  Some people say “New Year, New You” but at Monteforte Law, we say “New Year, New Plan.”  As we hang up new calendars and jot down resolutions we might (or might not) keep, let’s talk about why January, the start of a brand new year, is the absolute best time to get your estate planning in order. Sure, it might not be as fun as vowing to hit the gym more, but it's undoubtedly more impactful. So, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger – I won’t judge), and let’s dive in.  A Time for Reflection and Resolution  January is ..read more

Crucial Time For Family Health Observations Signs of dementia often show themselves during the holidays The holiday season is upon us, a time for family gatherings, sharing laughter, and creating memories. However, for many of us, especially those who haven't seen our aging parents in a while, it's also an opportunity to subtly assess their well-being. While we all hope for the best, the reality is that conditions like dementia can progress rapidly, often catching families off guard. So, as you're home this holiday season, here are some signs to watch for, and how to approach this sensitive to ..read more

Drawing the Line: Why Toxic Clients Aren't Worth the Hassle in Estate Planning In the dynamic world of estate planning, maintaining a balance between professional commitment and personal values is a constant challenge. Recently, I found myself faced with a tough decision: resigning from a client's case after an incident where he directed profanity towards one of my team members. This decision, although difficult, brought to light the importance of setting boundaries and refusing to compromise on core values, even when faced with financial incentives. Respect is Non-Negotiable: In any professio ..read more

Navigating the Sensitive Terrain of Disinheritance in Massachusetts In my years as an estate planning attorney, I've had numerous clients walk through my doors with the delicate issue of wanting to disinherit a family member. It's never an easy conversation, but it's a reality of life and estate planning. Massachusetts law provides specific guidelines for disinheriting family members, and understanding these is critical for ensuring your final wishes are honored. First, let's address a common misconception: the ability to disinherit at will. While you have a significant degree of freedom in di ..read more

Matthew Perry: An Icon Remembered and the Complexities of Estate Planning The entertainment world mourned another great loss as news broke of the passing of Matthew Perry, a standout figure in the realm of television. Best known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom "Friends," Perry's comedic timing, witty one-liners, and distinct character quirks made him a household favorite. However, his passing also highlights the multifaceted world of estate planning, especially for high-profile celebrities. Matthew Perry's Journey to Stardom  Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, P ..read more

Unraveling Myths in Your Parent's Will Dealing with the Last Will and Testament of a parent can be an emotionally charged and complex process. It's natural for family members to desire what they perceive as "fair" treatment when it comes to the distribution of their parent's estate. However, the reality is that your Mom or Dad's Will doesn't necessarily have to align with your concept of fairness. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the misconceptions surrounding the idea of fairness in wills and discuss the challenging nature of will contests. Understanding the Misconception of "Fairness ..read more