Elder Law, Estate Planning, Asset Protection and Business Law Services Firm Expands to South Shore, MA
The Latest Edition to the Law Offices of Michael T. Baker:
We here at the Law Offices of Michael T. Baker are happy to announce that we’ve expanded our locations to include our new office in Hingham. The
Specializing in elder law, estate planning, asset protection and an array of business law services, the Law Offices of Michael T. Baker offer years of experience and familiarity with everything from prenuptial agreements, irrevocable trusts to Medicaid applications. To learn more about our legal services and expertise in elder law, trust, will and estate administration, estate planning, business planning, premarital agreements, health care proxies, durable powers of attorney, guardianships and conservatorships. Contact us today for a complimentary initial consultation or visit our homepage for more information.
An Introduction to Massachusetts Probate Law and Estate Probate Services
Introduction to Probate Law and Estate Administration Services
As the division of law practice that concerns the distribution of wills and inheritance, probate law has an awful lot of terms to deal with that may be confusing or foreign to those working with a probate lawyer for the first time. We’ve compiled a list of FAQs regarding probate laws and estate procedures, but below are a few facts about probate law that’ll give you the basic information you’re looking for.
How Probate Law is practiced in Massachusetts
Identifying and gathering the deceased’s probate property, paying debts, taxes, and the expenses of administering the estate, and distributing the remaining assets to those persons, trusts and organizations designated in a valid last will and testament is what falls under the jurisdiction of probate law in Massachusetts. Probate law ensures that certain procedures are followed properly as the financial affairs of the deceased are finalized.
Who deals with Probate Law, exactly, and what are the duties of administrators, executors etc?
The difference between an executor and an administrator lies solely within the last will and testament of the deceased: If the deceased nominated someone as an executor, that person is typically appointed, and if no last will and testament is involved in the financial matters of the deceased that person is an administrator.
The terms “executor” or “administrator” aren’t exclusive to Massachusetts probate law, though in other states these roles are sometimes referred to as a personal representative. Once appointed, the executor, administrator or personal representative performs a number of functions, including safeguarding the decedent’s probate assets, file income and estate tax returns and hire attorneys, appraisers and investment advisors to assist with administration of the estate.
For more information on Probate Law and additional answers to FAQs, visit our Probate Law page.
At-Home Care: Personal Care Programs as Other Alternatives through Senior MassHealth
Looking for help, but not ready to make the transition to nursing home life just yet? If you qualify for senior MassHealth benefits and you’re interested in alternatives to nursing home care, various personal care options are available. Assisting MassHealth members with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), the MassHealth Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program is one designed for those who are seeking help at home without relying on the services provided by assisted living facilities or nursing homes. ADLs, such as dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, and various mobility needs and transfers can all be made easier through the assistance of a Personal Care Attendant provided through MassHealth’s PCA program. PCAs can also help senior MassHealth members with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as shopping, housekeeping, doing laundry and meal preparation.
Interested in finding out if you’re eligible for MassHealth’s PCA Program? Here are MassHealth’s PCA requirements for eligibility:
-You must be eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth
-You have a permanent or chronic disability preventing you from performing daily activities without physical assistance from someone
-You require physical assistance with two or more daily activities
-You have a prescription from your doctor for PCA services
-You obtain prior authorization for PCA services from MassHealth, its designee (Community Case Management, or CCM) or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MC
When it comes to legal logistics, nursing home plans and assisted living programs, such as MassHealth’s PCA Program, all fall under the jurisdiction of elder law. The Law Offices of Michael T. Baker can help when it comes to planning for and financing PCA care. Contact us today if you have questions regarding MassHealth PCA and other programs that’ll help you or your loved ones make it through the day at home, as our firm may be able to assist you with becoming eligible for Standard MassHealth.
The Ins and Outs of Elder Law: Know Your Elder Law Issues
Developing care plans for retirees, thinking along the lines of long term care while planning for the future, making sure that you find the right program that’ll help you or your loved one receive care in the home or a facility: These are all elder law issues that can make difficult decisions an even bigger challenge. It’s important to have someone in your corner with experience in these areas who knows the lingo common place in elder law, and an elder law attorney is a valuable resource that can help make sense of important documents, government programs terms, and develop a long term care plan.
As an elder law attorney, the Law Offices of Michael T. Baker can help when it comes to answering the tough questions and figuring out the next step for your unique elder law proceedings. On our Elder Law page, we have detailed explanations for Medicaid law, which is known as MassHealth in Massachusetts, to various aspects of elder care law that are frequently overlooked, like personal care contracts and asset planning. We have recently added a page regarding Veteran’s benefits as a resource to Veterans, widows, and families.
Check out our Elder Law FAQs to read up on elder law issues that can directly affect you and your loved ones. Feel free to Contact Us at if you have any questions, and as always, we’re here to help you with your elder law and long term care planning needs!
Attorney Serving the South Shore with New Office in Plymouth MA
The Law Offices of Michael T. Baker specialize in estate planning, elder law, asset protection and business law services tailored to each client’s particular needs and wishes. As part of our estate planning services, the firm regularly assists clients to plan for their growing families and develop asset protection strategies for high risk professionals and elders concerned about the costs of long-term care depleting their estate. Our business advisory services assist entreprenuers with selecting the appropriate business structure and developing an plan to exit a business. Click on this link to visit the firm's home page and for more on the legal services offered.
Use the following phone numbers to contact the firm:
Toll Free: 800.701.0352
Tel: 508.429.6000 ext. 13
A Beneficiary Designation: An Important Part of Your Estate Plan
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