Product Description

Recent updates:

• Update: September 2023

  Dear Subscriber,

  This first edition of Elder and Disability Law in Massachusetts continues the tradition of Estate Planning for the Aging and Incapacitated Client in Massachusetts . This book updates and expands on topics covered in its predecessor publication, while adding new chapters of particular interest to estate planning for both elders and persons with disabilities. Inside, you will find coverage of thousands of practical tips and insightful analyses on case decisions, statutes, regulations, and other authoritative sources pertinent to elder and disability planning, including current material on the following subjects:

  • Undue influence. Chapter 5 addresses the lawyer's duties in representing a client who is experiencing improper or undue influence that puts them at risk, whether the means be physical force, duress, threats, or other forces. Practical insights are offered on how to prevent, ameliorate, or litigate undue influence.

  • Ethics issues in representing elders. See chapter 6 for caveats related to stereotyping elderly clients, navigating the family relationship, and handling joint representation. Discussion includes diminished capacity and the attorney's duties of loyalty and confidentiality, the retention and discharge of counsel, proceedings against nonclients, and aspects of the power of attorney role.

  • Special needs trusts and ABLE accounts. Chapter 39 begins with a review of self-settled trusts generally, then goes on to describe the elements of self-settled and third-party special needs trusts. It discusses trust protector provisions and concludes with a discussion of VA benefits and ABLE Accounts.

  • Trusts in the MassHealth context. Chapter 38 addresses the role of trusts in estate planning where an objective is to preserve eligibility for MassHealth benefits. Background is provided on OBRA '93 legislation and how Massachusetts has interpreted the law. Particulars of trusts established for disabled individuals and those established with transferred assets are discussed.

  • Tax considerations regarding trusts. Among the topics covered in chapter 40 are income tax planning for Medicaid trusts and estate and gift tax planning for such trusts, taxation of testamentary trusts, taxation of trusts established by the beneficiaries of gifts, and the treatment of pretax retirement accounts.

  • Property tax relief. Chapter 38 addresses real estate tax exemptions, abatements, and deferrals for older persons, their spouses, minor children, veterans, blind persons, and those experiencing hardship.

  • Resource planning for MassHealth coverage. This expansive topic is addressed in detail in chapter 34 (Protecting the Community Spouse), chapter 35 (Reducing Excess Assets), chapter 36 (Transfers of Resources), and chapter 37 (Protecting the Home).

  We at MCLE trust that you will find this new edition useful in your estate planning practice and valuable in keeping your law library current.

  Cordially,

  MCLE Press

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 expand

Filing a Bankruptcy Case

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Mark G. DeGiacomo, Esq., Murtha Cullina LLP
David A. Mawhinney, Esq., District of Massachusetts (Central & Western Divisions)

Exhibit 1A

- Voluntary Petition Buy Form

Exhibit 1B

- MLBR Official Form 1: Matrix List of Creditors Buy Form

Exhibit 1C

- Schedule A/B Buy Form

Exhibit 1D

- Schedule C Buy Form

Exhibit 1E

- Schedule D Buy Form

Exhibit 1F

- Schedule E/F Buy Form

Exhibit 1G

- Schedule G Buy Form

Exhibit 1H

- Schedule H Buy Form

Exhibit 1I

- Schedule I Buy Form

Exhibit 1J

- Schedules J and J-2 Buy Form

Exhibit 1K

- Statement of Financial Affairs Buy Form

Exhibit 1L

- Attorney Compensation Disclosure Buy Form

Exhibit 1M

- Statement of Intention Buy Form

Exhibit 1N

- Summary of Assets and Liabilities Buy Form

Exhibit 1O

- Declaration About Schedules Buy Form

Chapter 2 expand

After Filing the Bankruptcy Case

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Mark G. DeGiacomo, Esq., Murtha Cullina LLP

Chapter 3 expand

Means Test and Discharge

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Marques C. Lipton, Esq., Lipton Law Group LLC

Exhibit 3A

- Table Showing Exceptions to Discharge in Individual Cases Buy Form

Chapter 4 expand

Exemptions

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Mark G. DeGiacomo, Esq., Murtha Cullina LLP

Chapter 5 expand

Chapter 13 Plans

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Carolyn A. Bankowski, Esq., Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee
Mark G. DeGiacomo, Esq., Murtha Cullina LLP

Exhibit 5A

- Official Local Form 3 Buy Form

Exhibit 5B

- Official Local Forms 3A and 3B Buy Form

Exhibit 5C

- Official Local Form 4 Buy Form

Editor(s)

Author(s)