As young adults pass into independence and adulthood, they often encounter various responsibilities and decisions that their parents or guardians previously handled. One critical aspect of adulthood is managing personal health and medical information. In Massachusetts and across the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulates the privacy and security of… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Advance Directives
How Do I Plan For A Future with Alzheimer’s Disease?
Acquiring a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming, both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. While the journey ahead may seem uncertain, it is important to take proactive steps to ensure that your needs will be met in the future. Planning early can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the… Read More »
Timing Matters: The Best Age to Start Estate Planning in Massachusetts
Estate planning is a crucial financial and legal process that provides peace of mind, ensures the orderly distribution of assets, and minimizes potential complications for heirs. However, many people in Massachusetts often wonder when the ideal time is to embark on estate planning. This article will discuss the best age to start estate planning in… Read More »
Are You Leaving a Legacy with Your Massachusetts Estate Plan?
It’s difficult to talk about what will happen to your loved ones after you are gone. This sensitive and difficult subject leads to many people avoiding the topic of estate planning at all. However, this can unnecessarily expose your family to feeling caught off guard, confused or even mired in conflict if an unexpected tragedy,… Read More »
What Is Advanced Care Planning in Massachusetts?
Advanced care planning refers to different strategies and steps that you can take to ensure that the medical care you receive, if you are unable to make these decisions for yourself, is still available to you. While it is certainly important to speak with trusted loved ones and family about your goals and values for… Read More »
Durable Power of Attorney Vs. Advanced Directive
Many different documents might be recommended to you by your experienced estate planning lawyer and it can become confusing to understand which is which. Two of the most commonly confused forms are known as a durable power of attorney and an advanced directive, and these each accomplish distinct goals. What is a Durable Power of… Read More »
Understanding Advanced Directives and Common Estate Planning Mistakes Presentation
Every estate plan is built upon a foundation of essential estate planning documents. Learn about these essential documents, including: advance medical directives and living wills, health care proxies, powers of attorney, revocable living trusts, and last will and testaments. Understanding these documents can help you make the right decisions so that you can minimize hardships… Read More »
College Student Urges Her Peers Toward Advance Planning
Here’s something unexpected — a college student making the case for estate planning for her fellow Millennials! Color us surprised. It’s no secret that most American adults are reluctant to think about the possibility of passing away unexpectedly. And no age group is less interested in the prospect of death or old age than those… Read More »
Doctors and Hospitals Sometimes Ignore Advance Directives
Advance directives have been a popular part of estate planning since at least 1990, when Congress passed the Patient Self-Determination Act. Since then, Americans have only grown stronger in their sentiment that they should decide for themselves what kind of treatment they’ll receive in the face of terminal illness. View image | gettyimages.com Advance directives… Read More »