As an elder law and estate planning attorney with over 18 years of experience, I try to remind clients that there is a method to the madness for some of the planning solutions that we present in our office. The plans that we develop for clients are like tools in a toolbox. We don’t always know how we will have to use them, but they will be very helpful to have no matter the situation. Good tools make the job easier, and without them, the problems only become more difficult to solve. But not all tools are right for every job. We like to break the planning process into three specific areas: Probate While You’re Alive Probate When You Pass Away When you get sick and need long-term care Connect with Marsden Law P.C. through our online contact form or call (508) 858-5324 to discuss preparing an estate plan.
We are thrilled to announce that we have been nominated for this year’s MyFM's Quest for the Best contest. The next step will be to name a winner, which is done by an online vote. We would be honored to have your support! Cast your vote at myfmquestforthebest.com.
Purchasing a home or other form of property is one of the most important milestones for every individual. If you own a house or other forms of property, you don’t want to leave such valuable possessions in the hands of the government if you pass away or become incapacitated. You can take premeditated steps to protect their home and their loved ones. Our Metro West Boston estate planning attorneys have put together four easy steps you can take to protect your house through estate planning. Connect with Marsden Law P.C. through our online contact form or call (508) 858-5324 to discuss preparing an estate plan.
Every parent’s goal is to ensure that their children are always loved and protected in every situation. But what if something happens to both parents of a child? Continue reading to find out.  Connect with Marsden Law P.C. through our online contact form or call (508) 858-5324 to discuss preparing an estate plan.
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult parts of life. The days and weeks that follow the death of a loved one can be challenging – especially for family members who need to arrange their loved one’s assets and estate planning. To help you during this challenging time, our team at Marsden Law P.C. has put together a guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining access to your loved assets. You don’t need to go through this process alone. Contact Marsden Law P.C. through our online contact form or call (508) 858-5324 to discuss your situation.
When a senior applies for long-term care Medicaid, they must meet certain criteria – such as the asset (resource) limit. Medicaid applies the “look-back period process” to ensure that applicants do, in fact, meet the asset limit. Our estate planning attorneys explain everything you should know about Medicaid’s look-back process. Contact Marsden Law P.C. through our online contact form or call (508) 858-5324 to discuss your situation.
The loss of a loved one is a devastating time for family and friends. Not only does this time bring strong emotions, but it also involves a long list of financial and legal arrangements. In most cases, family members are responsible for handling their loved ones’ finances and beginning the probate process. You don’t need to go through this process alone. Contact Marsden Law P.C. through our online contact form or call (508) 858-5324 to discuss your situation.
A will and a trust are two different estate planning tools. A will is meant to help you distribute your assets to your loved ones once you pass, but a trust is useful for other purposes. Our Metro West Boston estate planning lawyers explain if you need a trust if you already have already created a will. Connect with Marsden Law P.C. through our online contact form or call (508) 858-5324 to discuss preparing an estate plan.
“Something is wrong with Dad!” The call came from my sister Sharon, Thanksgiving Day 2017. My dad, age 72, was a fabulous cook. He had been making a legendary Thanksgiving Day feast for my family in my parents’ tiny galley kitchen (where you couldn’t even spread your arms out all the way) for years. It was a culinary effort that defied the laws of physics. But today for some reason, the mashed potatoes weren’t coming together the way he wanted them to, and he couldn’t understand why. The “why” was because they were not cooked. Normally, we would have joked about this for the rest of the day, and he would have taken some good old-fashioned family ribbing, but because this was so out of character, it became somewhat alarming. That was when we learned he had been getting somewhat forgetful: losing his way, not sure of how to drive to appointments, unaware of how he actually arrived at a specific location. I was convinced he was showing the early signs of dementia because as an estate planning/elder law attorney, I had encountered these symptoms with some of the elder clients I serve. Fast forward to December, and we are sitting in the hospital after my Dad had a seizure and the doctor is explaining to us that my Dad has inoperable brain cancer. It was the first time I ever heard the word “glioblastoma.” My dad had terminal cancer. While I had been giving clients advice and guidance around issues like this for themselves and their families for years, now it was my turn to see things from their perspective. Here is what I learned from my father’s cancer diagnosis:
