One of the biggest obstacles that people seem to come up against when thinking about drawing up a Will or making some plans for retirement is uncertainty about the process. It’s common to avoid things that make us nervous, and many people put off calling an attorney about their estate plan because they don’t even [...]
Estate planning, elder law, special needs, probate, guardianship. Leanna Hamill, Hingham
Category Archives: Parents of Minor Children
Why Do I Need A Trust?
I sometimes forget that clients cannot read my mind. We will be talking about their estate plan and making sure that their minor or disabled children are provided for and I’ll mention the word “trust.” I mean in the general sense of “a person (the trustee) holding property for the benefit of another (the beneficiary.)” [...]
Estate Planning After Divorce – Can I Choose A Guardian?
One of the most important parts of an estate plan for a family with minor children is selecting the guardian to care for the children if both parents pass away. This decision can be stressful for intact families, and seemingly impossible for parents who are no longer together.
No matter which parent is in my office, [...]
Estate Planning After Divorce – Who Handles The Money?
If I am divorced and I pass away, does my child’s other parent automatically get any money I leave to my children?
This is a common question from my clients, and something that often holds people up from making a plan. The simple answer is: not necessarily. The more complete answer is below.
Check the Divorce [...]
Action Item – Guardians for Your Minor Children
Some people get overwhelmed with the idea of getting their affairs in
order and as a result find it easier to do nothing. To help people
with that inertia, I'll be posting weekly Action Items – little steps
that take an hour or less that will move you forward in the process and
make it less daunting.
Today's Action [...]
Protecting Your Privacy and Your Children’s with a Trust
There has been much talk in the media lately about Michael Jackson's death – what he owed, what he owned, and who would get it. People were waiting for his Will to be presented to the Court to perhaps get a deeper look at his financial life. Well, his will was presented to the Court [...]
New Caregiver Authorization For Minor Children Living With a Non-Parent
For various reasons a minor child will sometimes go and live with someone besides his or her parents. Maybe the parents are struggling with health or substance abuse issues and their child goes to live with a grandparent. Maybe a teenager wants to finish their last year at school and will live with a friend [...]
Living Wills for Children, or “I Want My Pepsi Now”
Many many years ago, before I was born, a beloved young cousin in my family was sick, and dying of leukemia. Towards the end of his life, there was a sign above his bed that said "nothing by mouth," meaning he should not have anything to eat or drink as he was getting his nutrition [...]
When Your Child With Special Needs Turns 18 – Guardianship is Not the Only Option
I often receive calls from parents who are challenged by their children’s mental health,
emotional, or behavioral needs, and those children are turning 18 soon. "I need a guardianship over my son, he's turning 18." As I talk to the parents I find out that the son is in mainstream school, holds down a job and [...]
What to Do When You Can’t Decide
I sometimes have clients who have trouble making decisions – they can't decide who should be guardian of their children, they can't decide who to appoint as agent under a power of attorney, and they can't decide exactly how to distribute their property when they pass away. And so they do nothing. Maybe they call [...]
Leanna@HamillLawOffice.com | 160 Old Derby St., Suite 456 | Hingham, Ma 02043 | Phone: 781.749.2284 | Fax: 866.573.6429
Advertising. In accordance with rules established by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, this web site must be labeled "advertising." It is designed to provide general information for clients and friends of the firm and should not be construed as legal advice, or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. By using this site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the attorney. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. Leanna Hamill is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts only.
Advertising. In accordance with rules established by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, this web site must be labeled "advertising." It is designed to provide general information for clients and friends of the firm and should not be construed as legal advice, or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. By using this site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the attorney. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. Leanna Hamill is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts only.