WHY DO YOU NEED A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY?

A durable power of attorney is a document in which you appoint an “attorney-in-fact also sometimes called an agent” to do anything on your behalf that you, the “principal” could do for yourself. The attorney-in-fact, in effect, stands in your shoes and acts for you on financial, business and other matters. Your attorney-in-fact can be any competent adult that you trust.

Giving someone a power of attorney does not limit your rights in any way. It simply gives the other person the power to act when you cannot. Your attorney-in-fact would be your fiduciary. A fiduciary is a person who is held to a high standard of good faith, fair dealing and undivided loyalty to the principal. The attorney-in-fact must always act in the principal’s best interest. The attorney-in-fact should keep complete records of what they do in case there are any questions of impropriety or bad faith dealing.

A power of attorney normally, takes effect as soon as the principal signs it. Most people do not intend that their durable power of attorney be used until they are incapacitated. The principal should discuss this with their attorney-in-fact so that both parties are clear on what the principal’s wishes are so that they can be carried out without delay or question. 

A principal may revoke a power of attorney at any time. All the principal needs to do is send a letter to his or her attorney-in-fact telling the attorney-in-fact that their appointment has been revoked. From the moment the attorney-in-fact receives the letter, they can no longer act under the power of attorney. If want to have proof that this letter was in fact received by the attorney-in-fact, send the letter certified signature required.

Your Durable Power of Attorney should be updated every 3-5 years or as soon as possible after a major life event (i.e. marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a family member, etc.)

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

WHY DO YOU NEED A HEALTH CARE PROXY?

A Health Care Proxy is a simple legal document that allows you to name someone you know to be your Health Care Agent. This should be a trusted person as they will make health care decisions for you if, and only if, you are unable to make or communicate those decisions for yourself.

Your Health Care Agent’s authority to make health care decisions begins only after a determination is made that you lack the capacity to make or communicate your health care decisions.  For example, if you are temporarily unconscious, in a coma, or have some other condition so that you cannot make or communicate health care decisions.  This determination must be made in writing by your attending physician. You must be notified, it at all possible, of this determination. No decision of your Agent can go into effect if you object.

Your Health Care Agent will make decisions for you only after talking with your doctor or health care provider, and after fully considering all the options regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of your illness or condition.  It is important that you have an open and honest conversation with your Agent regarding your potential wishes and any moral or religious beliefs that may influence any medical decisions that may need to be made. If your Agent does not know what your wishes would be, your Agent would make decisions on what they believe would be in your best interest.

Once you execute your Health Care Proxy, keep the original for yourself in a safe place. Then distribute copies to your primary care doctor, your Agent and any alternative Agent identified in the Proxy. This way if there is an emergency, there will be no delay in your Agent’s authority being recognized.

You may cancel (revoke) your Health Care Proxy at any time simply by informing your Agent or your health care provider that you want to do so. However, it is always to put this in writing so there is proof that your named Health Care Agent no longer has the authority. You can also cancel your existing Health Care Proxy by executing a new Proxy.

Have questions or concerns about your Estate Plan? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

The importance of Estate Planning

If you die without any estate planning documents, the State will step in and decide how your assets will be distributed to those who survive you.

Massachusetts Intestacy Statute

 Under G.L. c.1908,§ 2-102 (http://bit.ly/2DV3nkQ): 

• The surviving spouse receives the entire estate if the decedent is not survived by descendants or parents, or if the only descendants are also descendants of the surviving spouse and the surviving spouse has no other descendants.

• The surviving spouse receives the first $200,000 plus ¾ of the balance of the estate, if decedent is not survived by descendants but is survived by a parent.

• The surviving spouse receives the first the first $100,000 plus 1/2 of any balance of the estate in all other scenarios.

IF you want to make sure your estate goes to specific people, you need to have a written will that is properly executed and witnessed.

Contact Attorney Curran to discuss your options: 

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC
10 Tower Office Park
Suite 314
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

PETS AND ESTATE PLANNING

If you have pets, there is good reason to be concerned about what happens to them after you pass away. For some of us, our pets are like family. Many times after an owner dies, the personal representative and/or heirs will surrender the pets to a local animal shelter. Sadly, many of our pets are not able to find new ‘forever’ homes.

So what can you do to ensure your pets are cared for?

Select Care Takers

Start by determining who will care for your pet if something happens to you. This could be a spouse, a child, another relative or a friend. Discuss your wishes with your chosen caretaker. Make certain they agree to assume responsibility for your pet. If no one in your life fits the bill, consider a local or national charitable or humane organization.

Determine the Yearly Cost to maintain and care for your Pet(s)

Include language in your Last Will and Testament

Again, you cannot use your will to leave money or property to your pet. If you try, that money or property will be included in your residuary estate,

In addition to providing the name and address of a trustee and successor trustee, a caregiver and successor caregiver (all of whom can be corporations and/or individuals) you will be asked to provide enough information to:

• Adequately identify your pets in order to prevent fraud, such as through photos, microchips, DNA samples, or alternatively, by describing your pet as a “class”—in other words, as “the pet(s) owned by you at the time of your illness/death;

• Describe in detail your pet’s standard of living and care;

• Require regular inspections of your pet(s) by the trustee;

• Determine the amount of funds needed to adequately cover the expenses for your pet’s care (generally, this amount cannot exceed what may reasonably be required given your pet’s standard of living) and specify how the funds should be distributed to the caregiver;

• Determine the amount of funds needed to adequately cover the expenses of administering the pet trust;

• Designate a remainder beneficiary in the event the funds in the pet trust are not exhausted;

• Provide instructions for the final disposition of your pet (for example, via burial or cremation).

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran Legal LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 314
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549

WHEN IS IT A GOOD TIME TO START YOUR ESTATE PLANNING?

There is no guarantee from one day to another. Things happen that we do not expect and/or did not plan for.  No one can predict where they will be financially, medically, and/or socially in two years or two months.   

So, when is the right time to start your estate planning? As soon as you can. Why? The documents that make up your estate plan must be done while you are alive and have the legal capacity to execute them. If you are incapacitated for any reason and do not have any valid estate planning documents; your decisions will be made either by your next or kin or in some situations by a person selected by a Court.

What should be in your estate plan?

Most estate plans include a Health Care Proxy – this allows another person to make your health care and end of life decisions if you are unable to do so for yourself. Some people have very strong feelings and beliefs about being kept alive by a machine when there is no hope for them to return to their ‘normal’ life.

Most estate plans include a Power of Attorney – this allows another person to step in your shoes and handle your financial matters while you are incapacitated. They would be able to pay the mortgage payments, the light bills and school expenses so there is no interruption, which could cause more headaches for you and your family.

Most estate plans include a Last Will and Testament – this document goes into effect after your death. This allows you and not the state to decide who gets what and how much. This document makes sure that your wishes are fulfilled and that you are able to ‘take care of’ your loved ones when you are no longer present to do so. In this document you can also name people you want to take care of your minor children. You are also able to make sure that specific people do not benefit from your death if you so wish.

It is never too early to start thinking about an Estate Plan. Anyone over the age of eighteen (18) years of age who has the legal capacity to enter into a contract should consider having an estate plan.

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran Legal LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A LAST WILL & TESTAMENT

A valid will can fulfill several purposes. A will directs the distribution of the signer's probate estate after the signer's death. It nominates fiduciaries, provides the fiduciary with the authority they need to act and it disposes of probate assets. The will nominates a Personal Representative who will guide the estate through the probate process.  

So why do YOU need a will? 

First Reason….

YOU decide how your estate will be distributed.  A will is a legally-binding document that lets you determine how you would like your estate to be handled upon your death. If you die without a will, there is no guarantee that your intended desires will be carried out. Having a will helps minimize any family fights about your estate that may arise, and also determines the “who, what, and when” of your estate.

Most people do not realize they can disinherit individuals out of their will. Yes, you may wish to disinherit individuals who may otherwise inherit your estate if you die without a will. Because wills specifically outline how you would like your estate distributed, absent a will your estate may end up on the wrong hands or in the hands of someone you did not intend (such as an ex-spouse with whom you had a bitter divorce).

Second Reason…

YOU decide who will take care of your minor children. No one knows their children better than a parent. A will allows you to make an informed decision about who should take care of your minor children. If you die without having a properly execute will, the court will take it upon itself to choose among family members or a state-appointed guardian. Having a will allows you to appoint the person you want to raise your children or, better, make sure it is not someone you do not want to raise your children.

If you have teen-aged children, it might be in their best interest to ask them who they would want to live with in case of your death. You do not want to send your child to live with someone that they do not like for whatever reason. Having their input, gives them a sense of control and peace of mind. This suggestion is not appropriate for all children, so proceed only after you have considered your individualized child’s social/emotional needs

Third Reason…

YOU can decide to support one or more charities. Many of us feel good supporting various charities. You can make donations to charities of your choice in any amount you choose in your will. It is important to some people how the charity uses their donation. You can sometimes limit how your donation is allocated. For example, you can direct that your donation be used to support scholarships or other specific functions of the charity. Be warned that you should also include a statement that if your stated purpose no longer exists, the charity may still receive the money and use it for the accomplishment of its general purpose. You want to support the charity without tying their hands too much.

Fourth Reason…

YOU can ease your loved one’s grieving process. If you die without a will, you are considered to have died intestate. This means that your family needs to go to Court and have the Court help them figure out how to divide your assets equitably in accordance with the then existing state laws. Your assets might not go to whom you would expect or want. Since your family may find it difficult to cope with the grieving process during this time, don’t complicate their lives with messy legal and financial matters.

Fifth Reason…

Because tomorrow is not promised. Procrastination and the unwillingness to accept death as part of life are common reasons for not having a will. Sometimes the realization that wills are necessary comes too late – such as when an unexpected death or disability occurs. To avoid the added stress on families during an already emotional time, it may be wise to meet with an estate planning lawyer to help you draw up a basic estate plan at the minimum, before it’s too late.

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

A Durable Power of Attorney is a document in which you appoint an “Attorney-in-Fact also sometimes called an agent” to do anything on your behalf that you, the “principal” could do for yourself. The Attorney-in-Fact, in effect, stands in your shoes and acts for you on financial, business and other matters.

First Reason….

We cannot predict the future, we do not know what crisis might come our way that might cause us to be temporarily incapacitated.  By having a properly executed Durable Power of Attorney in your well-thought-out estate plan, your Attorney-in-Fact can step in handle your matters on your behalf so there is little interruption and/or impact on your financial and business matters during this period.

Second Reason…

You control who steps in to make the decisions on your behalf during your period of incapacity instead of a court. Your Attorney-in-Fact can be any competent adult that you trust. If you do not have a properly executed Durable Power of Attorney, your family will need to go to the local Probate Court and ask the Court to appointed whomever the Court thinks is appropriate to “step into” your shoes. The Court’s choice may not be your choice.

Third Reason…

Conversations about one’s death are hard to have with loved ones. It is important that you have an open and honest conversation with your loved ones so that they are clear on what your wishes and desires are in general. If you do not have this conversation with them, they cannot do their best by you as they will be guessing.

Sit with your Attorney-in-Fact and explain what the document does and why you think they are the best person for this role.  A Power of Attorney normally, takes effect as soon as the principal signs it. Most people do not intend that their Durable Power of Attorney be used until they are incapacitated. The principal should discuss this with their Attorney-in-Fact so that both parties are clear on what the principal’s wishes are so that they can be carried out without delay or question. 

Fourth Reason…

Just because you appoint someone as your Attorney-in-Fact, does not give them the authority to do whatever they want with your affairs. Giving someone a Power of Attorney does not limit your rights in any way. It simply gives the other person the Power to act when you cannot.

Your Attorney-in-Fact would be your fiduciary. A fiduciary is a person who is held to a high standard of good faith, fair dealing and undivided loyalty to the principal. The Attorney-in-Fact must always act in the principal’s best interest. The Attorney-in-Fact should keep complete records of what they do in case there are any questions of impropriety or bad faith dealing.

A principal may revoke a Power of Attorney at any time. All the principal needs to do is send a letter to his or her Attorney-in-Fact telling the Attorney-in-Fact that their appointment has been revoked. From the moment the Attorney-in-Fact receives the letter, they can no longer act under the Power of Attorney. If want to have proof that this letter was in Fact received by the Attorney-in-Fact, send the letter certified signature required.

Fifth Reason…

Mostly importantly, you are providing yourself and your family members with peace of mind. If you become incapacitated, there is a plan already in place. Your family does not need to rush to court to get authority to perform basic tasks, like paying the mortgage. Knowing this has been taken care of in advance is of great comfort to families.

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

FIVE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A HEALTH CARE PROXY?

A Health Care Proxy is a simple legal document that allows you to name anyone eighteen and older who you TRUST to be your Health Care Agent. This person will make health care decisions for you if, and only if, you are unable to make or communicate those decisions for yourself.

You may revoke your Health Care Proxy at any time simply by informing your Agent or your health care provider that you want to do so. However, it is always to put this in writing so there is proof that your named Health Care Agent no longer has the authority. You can also cancel your existing Health Care Proxy by executing a new Proxy.

Here are five reasons why you should have a valid Health Care Proxy:

 First Reason….

For some reason, there is a misconception that Health Care Proxies are for the elderly. This is not true. Every adult needs a health care proxy. Anybody can be in a situation where they’re temporarily unable to speak for themselves.

Your Health Care Agent’s authority to make health care decisions begins only after a determination is made that you lack the capacity to make or communicate your health care decisions.  For example, if you are temporarily unconscious, in a coma, or have some other condition so that you cannot make or communicate health care decisions.  This determination must be made in writing by your attending physician. You must be notified, it at all possible, of this determination. No decision of your Agent can go into effect if you object.

Second Reason…

Unfortunately if you do not have a health care proxy, your family may have an argument over who should make decisions and what those decisions should be. Sometimes families are unable to come to an agreement. When an agreement cannot be reached, the family will be forced to go to the Courts for guidance. The Court will most likely appoint either a third party or a member of your family to be your guardian. This guardian will ultimately have the authority to make all medical decisions on your behalf. The person the court picks to be your guardian may not be the person who you want to make your decisions.  

Third Reason…

Pick someone you trust. Pick someone you know will not be swayed by other people’s emotions and wishes but will instead stay true and honor YOUR desires and wishes. Pick a person that you have had an open and direct conversation with about your wishes and desires in various “worst-case” scenarios.

Your Health Care Agent will make decisions for you only after talking with your doctor or health care provider, and after fully considering all the options regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of your illness or condition.  It is important that you have an open and honest conversation with your Agent regarding your potential wishes and any moral or religious beliefs that may influence any medical decisions that may need to be made. If your Agent does not know what your wishes would be, your Agent would make decisions on what they believe would be in your best interest.

Fourth Reason…

You can state restrictions on what should be done on your behalf. For example you can establish “Do Not Resuscitate” orders (also called DNR orders). DNR orders are written instructions stating you do not want CPR performed on you in the event of an emergency.

A person might want a DNR order for several reasons including they have a terminal illness, after they were resuscitated their quality of life would be greatly impacted and regardless of the efforts made their death is anticipated in the near future due to other medical conditions.

You might also have Religious and/or Moral beliefs that influence your medical decisions and how you live your life. You can state these beliefs and/or restrictions in your health care proxy to provide guidance to both the person making your health care decisions and the medical staff treating you.

Fifth Reason…

Mostly importantly, you are providing yourself and your family members with peace of mind. If you become incapacitated, there is a plan already in place. Knowing this has been taken care of in advance is of great comfort to families.

Have questions or concerns about your Estate Plan? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

FIVE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A LIVING WILL

A health care proxy and a living will are both directives used by individuals to control the medical treatment they receive in the event that they become incapable of making or communicating health care decisions in the future. Even though a Living Will is NOT legally enforceable in Massachusetts it is still a good document to have in your estate plan.

Here are five reasons why you should have a valid living will:

First Reason….

Massachusetts gives explicit recognition and protections only to health care proxies. So why should you have a Living Will in Massachusetts?  Your Health Care Agent has the ultimate authority regarding end of life care, but a living will is a good source of guidance for your family, doctors and your Health Care Agent.

 Second Reason…

A living will sets for the specific written instructions that you have regarding your treatment preferences in various hypothetical medical situations.  Living wills tend to focus on end-of-life situations and decisions about pursuing or terminating treatment, including life-sustaining measures.

Third Reason…

If a disagreement occurs among your family members while you are incapacitated over what the right medical decisions are for you, the person who has the authority to make your health care decisions can use the Living Will as evidence to support their decisions.

Fourth Reason…

The Living Will is your own expression of your attitudes and wishes about your health care that was executed while you were competent. It  is sometime called a Personal Wishes Statement.

Fifth Reason…

Even though there is no legal significance to the Living Will, most physicians will follow the directions you state in the document. This is especially true if you have taken the time to discuss your wishes and desires with your primary care physician before an emergency situation arises.

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com 

COMMON REASONS TO UPDATE YOUR WILL

A valid will can fulfill several purposes. A will directs the distribution of the signer's probate estate after the signer's death. It nominates fiduciaries, provides the fiduciary with the authority they need to act and it disposes of probate assets. The will nominates a Personal Representative who will guide the estate through the probate process.  

Drafting a Last Will and Testament is not an enjoyable task for many of us. Once we draft a will, we tuck it away some where safe and forget about it. That’s not advisable. There are many reasons for you to pull out that Will and review it every three to five years.

Here are just a few reasons for you to make updates to what you once thought was ‘perfect.’

• You had children and they are not listed in the existing will.

• You need to name a guardian for your minor children or maybe you want to change the person you selected.

• You got married.

• You had minor children when you drafted the existing will and now they are grown with their own children.

• Your assets greatly decreased.

• The people you named in the will as beneficiaries are deceased.

• You got divorced.

• If you moved to a new state you need to make sure your will confirms with the requirements of your new state. Each state has its own legal requirements for drafting and executing a Last Will and Testament.

• Your assets greatly increased.

• Your spouse predeceases you.

• You want different people to fulfill the roles necessary… personal representative, guardian, etc.

 Never try to change a will by writing in the margins, crossing out words, lines, or sections of the original will. This only invites confusion, and is likely to lead to drawn-out conflicts over your will. Always seek out the advice of a local attorney. Sometimes you can just add a codicil to your Last Will and Testament. A codicil is a separate document that adds to or replaces one or more provisions in an existing will while leaving the rest of the will untouched and valid.

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549

YOUR #1 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION SHOULD BE GETTING YOUR ESTATE PLAN IN ORDER

So have you ever stopped to think about what will happen if you die? Now I'm talking about the philosophical argument about heaven/hell. I'm talking about what will happen to the people and things you leave behind? Being proactive and planning for your family’s future is a necessity in today’s world. If you do not take the time to plan, the state will step in and dictate what happens to your minor children and your worldly possessions. Wouldn't you rather be in control of what happens? 

In general, most estate plans will include at a minimum a combination of the following legal documents:

Will:

A will can fulfill several purposes. It nominates fiduciaries, provides the fiduciary with the authority they need to act and it disposes of probate assets. The will nominates a Personal Representative who will guide the estate through the probate process.  

Durable Power of Attorney:

A durable power of attorney is a document whereby one person, the principal, appoints another person, the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act as his or her attorney-in-fact. The person serving need not be an attorney so, to some extent, the term “attorney” is a misnomer. The attorney-in-fact, in effect, stands in the shoes of the principal and acts for him or her on financial, business, or other matters.

Health Care Proxy:

A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that allows you to name someone you know and trust to make health care decisions for you if, and only if, you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.

Living Wills:

A living will sets forth the specific written instructions of the principal regarding his or her treatment preferences in various hypothetical situations. Living wills tend to focus on end-of-life situations and decisions about pursuing or terminating treatment, including life-sustaining measures.

Declaration of Homestead:

The Homestead Act allows Massachusetts homeowners to protect their home from future creditors.  The Act was updated and effective as of March 16, 2011. The updated Act allows homeowners to choose between an Automatic Homestead, which is effective without a written declaration and a written Declaration of Homestead. The amount of the Automatic Homestead protection is $125,000. When a written Declaration of Homestead is filed the exemption increases to $500,000. Both the homeowner and his/her spouse must sign the declaration form.

Contact Attorney Curran to discuss your  estate planning options: 

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE INEVITABLE?

Being proactive and planning for your family’s future is a necessity in today’s world. If you do not take the time to plan, the state will step in and dictate what happens to your worldly possessions. In general, most estate plans will include at a minimum a combination of the following legal documents:

Will:

A will can fulfill several purposes. It nominates fiduciaries, provides the fiduciary with the authority they need to act and it disposes of probate assets. The will nominates a Personal Representative who will guide the estate through the probate process.  

Durable Power of Attorney:

A durable power of attorney is a document whereby one person, the principal, appoints another person, the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act as his or her attorney-in-fact. The person serving need not be an attorney so, to some extent, the term “attorney” is a misnomer. The attorney-in-fact, in effect, stands in the shoes of the principal and acts for him or her on financial, business, or other matters.

Health Care Proxy:

A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that allows you to name someone you know and trust to make health care decisions for you if, and only if, you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.

Living Wills:

A living will sets forth the specific written instructions of the principal regarding his or her treatment preferences in various hypothetical situations. Living wills tend to focus on end-of-life situations and decisions about pursuing or terminating treatment, including life-sustaining measures.

Declaration of Homestead:

The Homestead Act allows Massachusetts homeowners to protect their home from future creditors.  The Act was updated and effective as of March 16, 2011. The updated Act allows homeowners to choose between an Automatic Homestead, which is effective without a written declaration and a written Declaration of Homestead. The amount of the Automatic Homestead protection is $125,000. When a written Declaration of Homestead is filed the exemption increases to $500,000. Both the homeowner and his/her spouse must sign the declaration form.

Contact Attorney Curran to discuss your options: 

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

WHY DO YOU NEED A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY?

A durable power of attorney is a document in which you appoint an “attorney-in-fact also sometimes called an agent” to do anything on your behalf that you, the “principal” could do for yourself. The attorney-in-fact, in effect, stands in your shoes and acts for you on financial, business and other matters. Your attorney-in-fact can be any competent adult that you trust.

Giving someone a power of attorney does not limit your rights in any way. It simply gives the other person the power to act when you cannot. Your attorney-in-fact would be your fiduciary. A fiduciary is a person who is held to a high standard of good faith, fair dealing and undivided loyalty to the principal. The attorney-in-fact must always act in the principal’s best interest. The attorney-in-fact should keep complete records of what they do in case there are any questions of impropriety or bad faith dealing.

A power of attorney normally, takes effect as soon as the principal signs it. Most people do not intend that their durable power of attorney be used until they are incapacitated. The principal should discuss this with their attorney-in-fact so that both parties are clear on what the principal’s wishes are so that they can be carried out without delay or question. 

A principal may revoke a power of attorney at any time. All the principal needs to do is send a letter to his or her attorney-in-fact telling the attorney-in-fact that their appointment has been revoked. From the moment the attorney-in-fact receives the letter, they can no longer act under the power of attorney. If want to have proof that this letter was in fact received by the attorney-in-fact, send the letter certified signature required.

Your Durable Power of Attorney should be updated every 3-5 years or as soon as possible after a major life event (i.e. marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a family member, etc.)

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

What is a Living Will and do you need one?

A health care proxy and a living will are both directives used by individuals to control the medical treatment they receive in the event that they become incapable of making or communicating health care decisions in the future.

A living will sets for the specific written instructions that you have regarding your treatment preferences in various hypothetical medical situations.  Living wills tend to focus on end-of-life situations and decisions about pursuing or terminating treatment, including life-sustaining measures.

It is NOT legally enforceable in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts gives explicit recognition and protections only to health care proxies. So why should you have a Living Will in Massachusetts?  Your Health Care Agent has the ultimate authority regarding end of life care, but a living will is a good source of guidance for your family, doctors and your Health Care Agent.

Your Living Will should be updated every 3-5 years or as soon as possible after a major life event (i.e. marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a family member, etc.)

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

WHY DO YOU NEED A HEALTH CARE PROXY?

A Health Care Proxy is a simple legal document that allows you to name someone you know to be your Health Care Agent. This should be a trusted person as they will make health care decisions for you if, and only if, you are unable to make or communicate those decisions for yourself.

Your Health Care Agent’s authority to make health care decisions begins only after a determination is made that you lack the capacity to make or communicate your health care decisions.  For example, if you are temporarily unconscious, in a coma, or have some other condition so that you cannot make or communicate health care decisions.  This determination must be made in writing by your attending physician. You must be notified, it at all possible, of this determination. No decision of your Agent can go into effect if you object.

Your Health Care Agent will make decisions for you only after talking with your doctor or health care provider, and after fully considering all the options regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of your illness or condition.  It is important that you have an open and honest conversation with your Agent regarding your potential wishes and any moral or religious beliefs that may influence any medical decisions that may need to be made. If your Agent does not know what your wishes would be, your Agent would make decisions on what they believe would be in your best interest.

Once you execute your Health Care Proxy, keep the original for yourself in a safe place. Then distribute copies to your primary care doctor, your Agent and any alternative Agent identified in the Proxy. This way if there is an emergency, there will be no delay in your Agent’s authority being recognized.

You may cancel (revoke) your Health Care Proxy at any time simply by informing your Agent or your health care provider that you want to do so. However, it is always to put this in writing so there is proof that your named Health Care Agent no longer has the authority. You can also cancel your existing Health Care Proxy by executing a new Proxy.

Have questions or concerns about your Estate Plan? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

Why do you need a Will?

What is a Will?

• A will can fulfill several purposes. It nominates fiduciaries, provides the fiduciary with the authority they need to act and it disposes of probate assets.

• The will nominates a Personal Representative who will guide the estate through the probate process.

• If there are minor children involved, the will also nominates a Guardian or Guardians.

• The will may make specific bequests; dispose of tangible personal property, and also of the ‘residue’ of the estate.

• If you die without any estate planning documents, the State will step in and decide how your assets will be distributed to those who survive you, in accordance with the then existing intestacy laws

How often should I have my will updated? 

Every 5-10 years or as soon as possible after a major life event (i.e. marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a family member, etc.)

Have questions or concerns about your estate planning? Contact us to discuss further:

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com

The importance of Estate Planning

If you die without any estate planning documents, the State will step in and decide how your assets will be distributed to those who survive you.

Massachusetts Intestacy Statute

 Under G.L. c.1908,§ 2-102 (http://bit.ly/2DV3nkQ): 

• The surviving spouse receives the entire estate if the decedent is not survived by descendants or parents, or if the only descendants are also descendants of the surviving spouse and the surviving spouse has no other descendants.
• The surviving spouse receives the first $200,000 plus ¾ of the balance of the estate, if decedent is not survived by descendants but is survived by a parent.
• The surviving spouse receives the first the first $100,000 plus 1/2 of any balance of the estate in all other scenarios.

IF you want to make sure your estate goes to specific people, you need to have a written will that is properly executed and witnessed.

Contact Attorney Curran to discuss your options: 

E.M. Curran & Associates LLC
10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com
@emcurranlegal

It’s a topic that many of us try to avoid – our deaths. Are you prepared?

Being proactive and planning for your family’s future is a necessity in today’s world. If you do not take the time to plan, the state will step in and dictate what happens to your worldly possessions. In general, most estate plans will include at a minimum a combination of the following legal documents:

Will:

A will can fulfill several purposes. It nominates fiduciaries, provides the fiduciary with the authority they need to act and it disposes of probate assets. The will nominates a Personal Representative who will guide the estate through the probate process.  

Durable Power of Attorney:

A durable power of attorney is a document whereby one person, the principal, appoints another person, the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act as his or her attorney-in-fact. The person serving need not be an attorney so, to some extent, the term “attorney” is a misnomer. The attorney-in-fact, in effect, stands in the shoes of the principal and acts for him or her on financial, business, or other matters.

Health Care Proxy:

A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that allows you to name someone you know and trust to make health care decisions for you if, and only if, you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.

Living Wills:

A living will sets forth the specific written instructions of the principal regarding his or her treatment preferences in various hypothetical situations. Living wills tend to focus on end-of-life situations and decisions about pursuing or terminating treatment, including life-sustaining measures.

Declaration of Homestead:

The Homestead Act allows Massachusetts homeowners to protect their home from future creditors.  The Act was updated and effective as of March 16, 2011. The updated Act allows homeowners to choose between an Automatic Homestead, which is effective without a written declaration and a written Declaration of Homestead. The amount of the Automatic Homestead protection is $125,000. When a written Declaration of Homestead is filed the exemption increases to $500,000. Both the homeowner and his/her spouse must sign the declaration form.

Contact Attorney Curran to discuss your options: 

10 Tower Office Park
Suite 406
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-933-1542
Fax: 781-933-1549
ellen@emcurranlegal.com