The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2019 income as a result of buying long-term care insurance.
Premiums for "qualified" long-term care insurance policies (see explanation below) are tax deductible to the extent that they, along with other unreimbursed medical expenses (including Medicare premiums), exceed 7.5 percent...

The median cost of a private nursing home room in the United States increased to $100,375 a year in 2018, up 3 percent from 2017, according to Genworth's Cost of Care survey, which the insurer conducts annually.  Massachusetts came in with a state median cost for a private room...

A power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents, but when one sibling is named in a power of attorney, there is the potential for disputes with other siblings. No matter which side you are on, it is important to know your rights and limitations.

A recent case involving basketball star Caldwell Jones demonstrates the danger in having only one spouse's name on a reverse mortgage. A federal appeals court has ruled that an insurance company may foreclose on a reverse mortgage after the death of the borrower, Mr. Jones, even though Mr. Jones’ widow is still...

The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent increase in benefits in 2019, the largest increase since 2012.  The change will put an additional $468 annually in the pocket of the average retired beneficiary.

Cost of living increases are tied to the consumer price index, and an upturn in...

On November 5, 2018 the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts (REBA) adopted Attorney Herbst's proposal to modify Title Standard No. 3 which addresses federal estate tax liens on real estate after someone passes away.  On small estates the Personal Representative can simply sign an affidavit indicating that the gross estate is...

While the new tax law doubles the federal estate tax exemption, meaning the vast majority of estates will not have to pay any federal estate tax, it doesn't mean you should ignore its impact on your estate plan.
In December 2017, Republicans in Congress and President Trump doubled the federal estate tax exemption to...

No one wants to think about his or her death, but a little preparation in the form of a prepaid funeral contract can be useful. In addition to helping your family after your death, a prepaid funeral contract can be a good way to spend down assets in order to qualify for...

Massachusetts law allows a Last Will and Testament to refer to a separate listing of tangible personal property with designated beneficiaries of such property.  Previously, it was not uncommon for Wills to contain page after page of instructions relative to household furnishings, jewelry and other items of tangible personal property. ...

With the enactment of the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (M. G. L. 190B)  we now have a new option in estate administration: informal probate.  The key advantage appears to be the ease and speed in which a personal representative can be appointed.  In theory, upon just seven days advanced notice...