LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING

We evaluate all relevant information including a client’s family history, health, goals, and finances to prepare a long-term care plan.  Long-term care plans provide clients with guidance on achieving their goals of securing quality care and housing while retaining or gifting an appropriate portion of their assets to their loved ones.  Various strategies are presented along with the potential MassHealth, tax and probate consequences.



MASSHEALTH APPLICATIONS AND APPEALS

We assist clients to obtain MassHealth benefits by preparing and filing the applications, working with the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) to answer any questions and provide additional information as requested, and to advocate for clients at administrative appeals before the Board of Hearings when necessary.



GUARDIANSHIPS AND CONSERVATORSHIPS

Guardianship is appropriate when a person is not able to make informed decisions regarding his health or finances or if extraordinary authority is needed, such as to administer anti-psychotic medications to a nursing home resident.  If a person only needs assistance with his finances, a conservatorship is appropriate.  Guardianships and conservatorships may be obtained on an emergency basis if warranted.  We represent individuals in obtaining guardianship for their loved ones, as well as nursing homes who have a duty to obtain guardianship for certain residents who receive anti-psychotic medications.



SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) may be used to retain assets to improve an elder or disabled child’s quality of life without disqualifying them from public benefits such as SSI or Long-Term Care MassHealth.  These trusts are often created if a beneficiary receives an inheritance or receives a personal injury settlement or award.  We draft Special Needs Trusts and petition the Court to establish the Trusts when necessary.



PROBATE ADMINISTRATION

We work with personal representatives of estates to fulfill their duties appropriately and efficiently.  We present all initial pleadings to the court, provide counsel to clients throughout the probate process, and secure the court’s allowance of the clients’ First and Final Accounts to complete the probate process.



PUBLIC BENEFITS

We assist clients to obtain any public benefits they may be eligible for, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI), Community MassHealth, and Long-Term Care MassHealth.



LITIGATION

We litigate cases of financial abuse of elders, contested guardianships, trust and Will disputes, and other issues affecting elders and their families.   We also assess cases of nursing home neglect and abuse.