- GuardianshipIf one has not planned for this situation, the only recourse available is to seek a COURT ORDERED GUARDIANSHIP. It does not matter if you are married, a parent or sibling or lifetime partner. No adult can speak for another adult without a legal document giving them permission.
- Medicaid PlanningElder Law focuses on the needs of individuals who are aging, Medicaid planning and legal documents required during this phase of life.
- Estate PlanningA will is a set of instructions for the Probate Court to follow after a person has passed away. It is used to designate how, when and to whom your assets will pass at your death. In addition, a Will identifies proposed guardians for your minor children and instructions on how best to manage the assets left for them. Also, it names an Executor to pay final bills and expenses and distribute the assets as stated in the Will. Probate Court may become complicated, lengthy, and expensive, depending upon the value of the assets in the estate and whether there are disagreements. Consult an estate planning attorney to minimize conflict and clearly state your wishes through a Will.
- WillsI focus my practice on Drafting Estate Plans (including Wills & Trusts) Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning, Incapacity Planning, Probate Matters and Trust Administration. To stay effective as a licensed attorney in Vermont and Massachusetts, I teach and attend continuing legal education workshops, I am active in legal associations and I read voluminous materials that help me grow and explore the latest in estate planning strategies. I am a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), WealthCounsel, Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Vermont Bar Association Probate and Trust Law Division and the Vermont Bar Association Elder Law Division. I also maintain continuing relationships with organizations and facilities that assist individuals with special needs, people with disabilities and the aging community. I love my work and continue to challenge myself to improve and grow through the evolving resources available.
- TrustsTHIS IS A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE TRUST ADMINISTRATION PROCESS. IT IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS COMPLETE OR EXHAUSTIVE OF THE TYPES OF ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE WITH REGARD TO EACH TRUST ADMINISTRATION.
- Power of AttorneyA Durable Power of Attorney allows your Agent to act for you in financial and personal matters. This documents allows the Agent to perform such tasks as pay bills, interact with insurance companies, file tax returns, file for government benefits, sell or manage property and manage your assets until you are better. This document requires that the Agent act in your best interest. You want to choose a trustworthy individual as an Agent.
- Probate
- Tax LawBefore distributing assets to beneficiaries, an appraisal of the assets that do not have an easily determined fair market value may be necessary to calculate the new cost basis. If the Trustee has determined that no Estate Tax is due, all other tax matters and debts are paid, and no lawsuits are pending on behalf of the decedent, then the process is complete.