- GuardianshipAssist in obtaining substitute authority for incapacitated persons via guardianship, conservatorship and provide continuing assistance to guardians and conservators once appointed.
- MurderAnother well-known and beloved US president—a lawyer, no less—very surprisingly died without a will or any other type of estate planning in place. Lincoln, like so many of us, quite possibly believed that he had many more years to address this important task. His tragic murder at the hands of a political malcontent plunged Lincoln’s family into a confusing and completely unfamiliar situation as they attempted to settle his affairs with no knowledge of where to begin. His oldest son, Robert, reached out to US Supreme Court Justice David Davis to take charge of Lincoln’s affairs.[4] Justice Davis generously stepped away from his duties on the court to assist the Lincoln family with the local court process for settling Lincoln’s estate. His estate was divided between his wife and his living sons, most likely according to the default laws of the jurisdiction. However, it remains unclear whether this is how Lincoln would have wanted to see his property divided.
- Limited Liability Companies
- Condominium LawPrior to joining Cody, Cody & McCarthy, Attorney Rheingold was an associate at a firm in Needham, Massachusetts concentrating on residential real estate including conveyances, refinances, and condominium conversions. She also serves as a blog editor for Loring & Rounds: A Trustee’s Handbook Blog.
- Social Security DisabilityIf a loved one becomes disabled, they may need to rely on financial assistance from government programs such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance. Unfortunately, a monetary gift or inheritance from you may disqualify this loved one from receiving these public benefits. In this situation, your well-meaning gift could become more of a curse than a blessing.
- Medicaid PlanningAssist in applying for and obtaining eligibility in Community and Long-Term Care government assistance programs, including Medicaid (“MassHealth”). MassHealth is a joint federal and state public benefits program which has a complex set of eligibility rules.
- Estate PlanningFounded in 1998, Cody, Cody & McCarthy, LLC is a full-service estate planning law firm located in Quincy, Massachusetts with additional offices in Walpole and Lakeville. The firm specializes in counseling individuals and families in estate, business, tax, charitable and long-term care planning. Cody, Cody & McCarthy prides itself in taking a client-centric approach to estate planning by developing a thorough understanding of each client’s unique goals and objectives. Our ability to interpret our client’s hopes and aspirations and translate them into plans that meet their needs has been a hallmark of our practice.
- WillsWashington was arguably the most universally beloved and revered US president. Volumes have been written about this man and what he accomplished during his life. One significant achievement that few people know about is the care Washington took to ensure that his final affairs were in order and that those who relied on him were cared for to the best of his ability. Washington’s last will and testament, widely available online in its entirety, shows that he thought carefully about his final affairs and those who depended upon him; he also remembered many individuals by making very thoughtful decisions and gifts of items of personal property or specific bequests.[1]
- TrustsAt Cody, Cody & McCarthy, we understand the issues and concerns you face when life presents its challenges. Whether you are adding to your family, planning for retirement, moving a loved one into a nursing home or creating a special needs trust for a disabled person, our experienced attorneys and staff can help ensure you have the right plan to meet your needs
- Power of AttorneyIf you are moving to a new state, it is also advisable to contact your estate planning attorney. In general, a will or trust created in one state should be valid in your new home state. However, some documents, such as a financial or medical power of attorney, can be state-specific. Because estate planning laws vary by state, it is highly recommended that you have your estate planning documents reviewed to ensure their validity in your new state. Your attorney can review your documents or connect you with an attorney in your new state who can review them for you.
- Probate
- Tax LawSandra assists our attorneys in a variety of client matters including general and advanced estate planning, estate administration, and corporate and tax matters. She also assists with preparation of income, gift and estate tax returns. She attended Bridgewater State College and has over 15 years of experience as a paralegal.