Does a Spouse Inherit Everything Their Spouse Dies Without a Will?

It is a common assumption that when one spouse passes away without a will, the living spouse automatically inherits everything, but in Massachusetts, that is not always the case. The state’s intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed when someone dies without a will, and the results may not always align with what the deceased…

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How the Trust Administration Process Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Managing a trust comes with important responsibilities, and the process can often feel overwhelming. Trusts are valuable tools for protecting and distributing assets, but handling the administration correctly is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Families often have questions about what steps to take, especially in Massachusetts, where specific laws govern trust administration. The Trust…

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Complete Estate Administration Checklist for Executors and Trustees

Estate administration can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing legal responsibilities with the emotions that come with losing a loved one. Whether you are an executor, trustee, or administrator, understanding your role is the first step toward handling the estate efficiently and properly. At Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., we have been guiding Massachusetts families through the…

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What an Estate Planning Attorney Does and Why You Might Need One

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out. It is not just about distributing assets—it is about providing security, minimizing stress for loved ones, and making key decisions in advance. Whether you want to create a will, set up a…

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MassHealth and Medicaid Compared: Understanding the Differences

MassHealth and Medicaid Compared: Understanding the Differences

Healthcare coverage can be confusing, especially when terms like MassHealth and Medicaid seem to overlap but have distinct differences. At Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., we understand the challenges Massachusetts residents face in sorting out these programs.  For three generations, our firm has helped individuals and families with estate planning, elder law, and healthcare coverage, including…

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How to Qualify for Medicaid in Massachusetts

Medicaid, known as MassHealth in Massachusetts, provides essential healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. If you or a loved one are considering applying, it’s important to have a clear grasp of the requirements and steps involved. At first, the process of applying to Medicaid can seem challenging, but breaking…

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In Terrorem Clauses in Massachusetts: A Quick Guide

At Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., we help our clients work through important estate planning questions, including how to prevent legal disputes among beneficiaries. One effective tool is the in terrorem clause, or “no-contest clause,” designed to discourage beneficiaries from contesting a will or trust in court. With three generations of experience in Massachusetts estate planning…

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Creditor Claims in Massachusetts Probate: Filing, Priority & Contesting

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Amid the emotional toll of this loss, families often also face the challenge of managing probate proceedings, the legal process for settling a deceased person’s estate. Within this process, creditor claims—requests for payment from the estate for debts owed—can add another layer of complexity.…

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How to Prove Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, individuals and families often entrust their financial and personal affairs to such fiduciaries as executors, trustees, and guardians. When these individuals fail to meet their obligations, the consequences can include financial  losses, emotional strain, and fractured relationships, and can be devastating. With years of experience handling Massachusetts estate law, CASEY LUNDREGAN BURNS, P.C.…

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Beneficiary Disputes: When One Beneficiary Sues Another in Massachusetts

Inheriting from a loved one’s estate often feels like a gift, but what happens when that gift becomes a source of tension? Beneficiary disputes can arise when disagreements over wills, trusts, or estate administration create conflict among heirs. In Massachusetts, understanding beneficiary rights is critical to resolving disputes fairly and effectively. At Casey Lundregan Burns,…

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