The M&B Weekly     
September 25, 2013  
 
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Jane Dobisz
In this issue...
Dealing with a Deceased Loved One's Debt Collectors
Three CEUs for Social Workers
Vidoli Quoted in WSJ on Why Your College-Age Children Need an Estate Plan
What is Settlement Planning?
  
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Dealing with a Deceased Loved One's Debt Collectors

The last thing anyone wants after the death of a 

family member is calls from debt collectors dunning the loved one's estate. While some family members can be contacted by debt collectors, the family is protected from abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices.

 

Usually the estate is responsible for paying any debts the deceased may have left, not the family. If the estate does not have enough money, the debts will go unpaid. A debt collector may not turn to relatives to try to collect payment (unless they were co-signers or guarantors of the debt). However, the spouse of the decedent may have responsibility for any debts that were jointly held.


Click here to learn more.
Law School for Social Workers this Saturday
 
                     
Join Jeffrey A. Bloom, Harry S. Margolisand Patricia C. D'Agostino this Saturday, September 28th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Newton Marriott as they host our next Law School for Social Workers.   Topics will include Community Benefits, MassHealth, Veteran's Benefits, Planning for MassHealth Eligibility, and Special Needs Planning Under the Affordable Care Act.  Social Workers will earn three CEUs.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Vidoli Quoted in WSJ on Why Your College-Age Children Need an Estate Plan 

Christina

 

Once individuals reach the age of majority --18 

in most states -- their parents are no longer entitled to see their medical and financial records and make decisions on their behalf.  As a result, as Margolis & Bloom attorney Christina T. Vidoli told The Wall Street Journal, it is important for young adults to set up an estate plan that appoints trusted individuals to make medical and financial decisions in the event they are unable to do so.

 

Click here to read what Christina had to say in The Wall Street Journal.

What is Settlement Planning?

A settlement or award of damages in a personal injury case means the end of litigation. It's the biggest step - but only the first step - in assuring your client's financial future. Even after you've succeeded in reaching a great result, your professional obligations include making sure that the award is maximized, that the funds are safeguarded and that your client preserves eligibility for public benefits. Failure to properly advise your client could result in the award being quickly dissipated and may give rise to a malpractice claim in the future. Experienced settlement planners can consult with you and your clients on a range of issues.   

Click here to learn more.
Green News
 
With so many "green" products saturating the market lately it can be a bit tough trying to decipher what some of the labels mean.  Here's a round up of some of the most common and what they mean:

 

- 100% Organic:  Every ingredient in the product is organically grown.  NO pesticides, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers;

- Certified Organic:  At least 95% organically grown ingredients;

- Cruelty Free:  Product was made without animal testing;

- Vegan:  Vegan products are not animal tested & contain no animal ingredients such as milk or honey, BUT they aren't organic unless they say so.green news