What are my rights as an owner of a remainder interest?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: My dad gifted me his house but reserving a life estate. Can he rent the house or call the police on me to leave the home? ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: Yes. Life tenant has reserved the right to live there and the proceeds of income of the property until his death. Unless his […]
Are miles driven doing paid favors to friends tax deductible?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For example if my roommate payed my $5 to drive a mile down to Walmart to pick up something would those 2 miles be deductible? To a greater extent if I went to Florida for a trip and my brother pays me to catch him a rare pokemon on pokemon go and our […]
Can an estranged wife who disappeared more than 30 years ago challenge a will in relation to real property in Florida?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am helping an elderly disabled friend who fears his wife who disappeared more than 30 years ago may reappear after he dies and cause problems. He wants to will his home to a friend. To his knowledge, she knows nothing of the property where he had lived since shortly after she left. […]
Can I change the amount someone is to inherit in my will without a lawyer?
My will is worded to leave nothing to my son, and any of his heirs. I’ve heard that they can contest if you leave nothing, but if you leave as little as a dollar, they can’t contest it. ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: A will can include a no contest provision which states that if any […]
If I made a will and testament and what happen if I got divorced?
If I get a divorce then my will and testament get revoked?? ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: Once the divorce is finalized, any provision leaving assets to your ex would be null and void. Filing for the divorce is not enough to disinherit your soon to be ex. It would be best to be proactive and […]
How to Avoid Estate Tax
Estate tax, also known as the “death tax,” is a tax on the transfer of property upon your death. It can be a significant burden for your loved ones, as it can eat into the assets you intended to leave for them. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can be employed to minimize or even […]
How to Protect Your Home from Potential Nursing Home and Long-term Care Expenses
As estate planning attorneys, we often receive inquiries from clients regarding how to protect their homes from potential nursing home and long-term care expenses. Long-term care can be extremely expensive, and the cost can easily exceed the average person’s life savings. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can be employed to protect your home and […]
How To Avoid Probate
As estate planning attorneys, one of the most common questions we’re often asked is, “How can I avoid probate?” Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, and it can be time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid probate and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your […]
Does a Revocable Trust Protect My Home from Nursing Home Expenses?
A common question from many Massachusetts homeowners is does my revocable Trust protect my home from potential nursing home and long-term care expenses? While a revocable Trust offers many advantages, protecting your home from nursing home expenses is not one of them. In this article, we will discuss the definition of a revocable Trust, examples […]
Disclaiming An Inheritance in Massachusetts
Disclaiming an inheritance is a legal process by which an individual chooses to renounce their right to inherit property or assets left to them by a deceased person. In the state of Massachusetts, disclaiming an inheritance can be a useful tool for those who wish to avoid the legal and financial obligations that come with […]
