By Karen G. Jackson Esq.

I frequently meet with clients who tell me something similar to this: “I have been taking care of my parent and receiving money over the last few years. Now my parent has just entered the nursing home and there is a house and Read the rest of this entry »

Attend a free seminar on Tuesday October 27, 2009 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in the Dakin Conference Room.

The Seminar will be presented by Attorney Karen G. Jackson and Financial Planner Molly Keegan. The topic of the seminar is Financial Planning for Women and is designed to help you make appropriate decisions to protect your assets.

The presentation is provided free of charge and is limited to the first 50 people. A light dinner will be served.

To register please call 413-582-2255 or email development@cooley-dickinson.org

By Karen G. Jackson , Esq.

I.         Pre- and Post- Deficit Reduction Act (“DRA”).

1. Introduction.

The implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act (“DRA”), 42 U.S.C. 1396p, effective February 8, 2006, which modified the Federal Medicaid Act, has significantly changed the strategies that were used pre-DRA.

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The American Bar Association has designated October as Pro Bono Service Month. The Hampshire County Bar Association and The Volunteer Lawyers Service awarded Attorney John J. Torrone the 2009 Pro Bono Publico Read the rest of this entry »

By John J. Torrone, Esq.

If you have not had an ownership interest in a home in the past three years the Federal Government considers you a first time homebuyer.

First time homebuyers are entitled to an income tax credit of $8,000.00 if they purchase a home before December 1, 2009. So long as the home costs Read the rest of this entry »

by Karen G. Jackson, Esq.

Anyone over 18 years of age needs a will.  Even if a person has few assets, significant sums of money could be due that person’s Estate after death, Read the rest of this entry »

By Kelly B. Neubauer, Esq.

The Need for Planning

One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. This not only means the loss of independence, but also a tremendous financial burden. The average nursing home care costs $75,000 per year, and often times, more.

Many people end up paying for nursing home care out of their savings until they run out. The advantages of paying privately are that you are more likely to gain entrance to a better quality facility and doing so eliminates or postpones dealing with your state’s welfare bureaucracy–an often burdensome process. The disadvantage is that it is expensive and often wipes out a lifetime of hard work and savings.

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By John J. Torrone, Esq.

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments that a person will make. If you purchase a home, due to the complex nature and technicalities involved, you should consult an attorney at the earliest stage of buying or selling a home.

Once an offer is accepted it is a binding legal contract, which creates certain obligations and rights for both a buyer and seller. These obligations and rights are often altered or expanded in the purchase and sale agreement. It is important to thoroughly review the purchase and sale agreement, as many issues addressed in it can have financial impacts on the transaction.

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By John J. Torrone, Esq.

WHAT ARE HIDDEN HAZARDS?

Massachusetts is known as an “attorney only” state when dealing with real estate transactions. This means that only attorneys are deemed qualified to perform real estate closings. Any non-attorney performing a real estate transaction in Massachusetts is breaking the law. Read the rest of this entry »