SERVICES
ESTATE PLANNING
Proper planning can ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes as well as minimize your potential tax liability.  The Law Office of Joseph Bognanno can assist you in developing a personalized estate plan.  Every situation will vary depending upon your assets and goals, but most will include:

  • Last Will and Testament
  • Durable Power of Attorney
  • Healthcare Proxy
  • Living Will
  • HIPAA Release
  • Homestead Declaration
  • Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts

To begin planning for the future of you and your family call (339) 235-8793 and speak with an attorney today.
PROBATE & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to worry about a lost loved one's bills, creditors, medical expenses, and court proceedings. In order to ensure that your loved one’s assets are being handled and distributedproperly, and to make your job significantly easier, I highly recommend seeking counsel to guide you through the process of settling someone’s estate. 

The following are some of issues that concern families the most: 

  • How to Resolve Funeral and Burial Issues
  • That Happens if There is No Will
  • What Assets Actually Get Probated
  • What are the Duties of a Personal Representative
  • How to Get Money Quickly
  • Dividing the Assets
  • Paying Debts
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Although it can be a simple process, it is one fraught with strict procedures and specific time deadlines. I understand what a difficult time this is in a family’s life, and am experienced in the field of probate law. I know the procedure and the deadlines, and I am glad to help you through this stressful time by taking these worries off your hands. 
MEDICAID PLANNING
Rising costs of nursing homes can quickly dissipate a life time's worth of assets.  The average private room nursing home rate in Massachusetts is $14,000 a month.

Medicaid/MassHealth will pay for the cost of a nursing home or a long term care facility, but only if the applicant meets a specific financial needs test. During the application process Medicaid will examine your financial records for the previous five years.  This makes proper and timely planning essential in preserving the largest amount of assets possible.

Even if a loved one has already been admitted to a nursing home or long-term care facility it is not too late to take action to preserve some of the assets.
MEDICAID APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
Applying for Medicaid can be a time consuming and stressful process.  We offer assistance in the process of completing and submitting the application.  We can: 

  • Guide you through the application process.
  • Assist you in gathering the necessary paperwork.
  • Fill out and submit your application.
  • Handle all communications with MassHealth.
  • Advise on appropriate and legal expenditures 
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES
Whether you are buying or selling your home an attorney can guide you through the process and ensure your interests are protected.

As the Seller an attorney can:
  • Review the terms of the offer.
  • Draft and negotiate the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
  • Obtain any necessary mortgage payoffs.
  • Draft the conveying deed.
  • Review the closing documentation.
  • Attend the closing with you or even for you.

If you are buying a home we also offer title and escrow services.  These services ensure that you obtain a property with no defects in title and can offer title insurance.