Matthew E. Jones Bankruptcy Attorney Attorney Matthew E. Jones
 
I provide outstanding legal services to help solve my client's problems while treating them with the respect and compassion they deserve.  

If you are considering divorce or other family law matters; filing for bankruptcy; or if you need estate planning services such as a will or a trust, contact me to set up a free consultation. I recognize that seeking legal services can be a frightening experience.  I will listen carefully to your concerns and develop a strategic plan to meet your needs.  I am proud to provide  services to GLBT clients, and I welcome clients of all cultural backgrounds.

Estate Planning Issues

Have you made plans in the event of your incapacity or death?  Who will manage your financial affairs if your are incapacitated?  Have you minimized your exposure to federal estate taxes? None of us like to think about these things.  How can you protect your assets during your lifetime? Read More

Irrevocable Income Trusts Threatened By Recent Court Decision

Seniors and elder law attorneys received a bitter message from the Appeals Court of Massachusetts when it handed down its decision in Doherty v. Director of the Office of Medicaid on June 18, 2009.  The main issue in the case is whether the corpus of an irrevocable income trust constitutes a countable asset that must be spent down before the beneficiary of the trust can receive MassHealth/Medicaid benefits.  Further,  decision rases serious questions about the viability of standard legal language estate planning attorneys had been using for years.  More on Irrevocable Trusts

 

Power of Attorney

The power of attorney is an essential part of any estate plan.  However, a power of attorney presets certain risks, and recently Massachusetts adopted the Uniform Probage Code, thereby altering the law with respect to power of attorney.    More on Power of Attorney

The Tax Relief Act of 2010

Congress made major and unexpected changes to the tax laws in 2010 that are having a significant impact on the estate planning needs of many.  If you have an existing estate plan, or of you intend to create an estate plan in the near future, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to analyze how  changes in the law will affect your estate planning needs.   More on The Tax Relief Act of 2010

Bankruptcy Issues

Bankruptcy Basics
If you are considering filing a petition for Bankruptcy under either Chapter 7, Boston-Bankruptcy-Info.com is a  helpful resource.  Although the Bankruptcy Code is uniform, it relies on the laws of each individual state.  Therefore, the practice of bankruptcy law differs from state to state and jurisdictions to jurisdiction.  More on Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics
 
Will Your Student Loans be Discharged Under Chapter 7?
The discharge of student loans under Chapter 7 is one of the more controversial issues in bankruptcy law over the past ten years.  Congress and the courts have made it very difficult to have your student loans discharged; however, it is possible giving the right circumstances.  More of the Discharge of Student Loans Under Chapter 7


What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Under Chapter 7, the person who has filed for bankruptcy turns any non-exempt property over to the bankruptcy trustee. That property is liquidated, or sold, to pay off creditors. Typically, the dollar value of the property sold fails to cover the amount of the debts owed. But, even though the creditors haven't been totally satisfied, the person's debts are discharged, meaning the person no longer owes the creditors any money. The thought of turning over personal property sounds unpleasant, but there are ways to protect some of that property, and an attorney can help you with that.

Also, not every consumer qualifies to file under Chapter 7. Your attorney can help you determine whether you qualify by completing an analysis called the means test.  More about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13




Links

Boston Bankruptcy Info
Estate Planning Boston
The Social Law Library
Massachusetts Trial Court Libraries
Tufts University
Northeastern University School of Law
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Video
Linkedin
Justia
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Martindale
Manta



This website, including its subsequent pages and blog postings, provides general information only. It is not intended to provide legal advice.  The law is complicated, and anyone considering legal action should consult with an attorney. Viewing this website or the information contained therein does not create an attorney-client relationship. Pursuant to Rule 7.2 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct this website may be considered an advertisement. 

The Law Offices of Matthew E. Jones, LLC provides exceptional legal services in the areas of bankruptcy and estate planning to clients in Boston, Massachusetts, Greater Boston, Worcester, Metro west, the North Shore, Suffolk County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, Worcester County, Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Watertown, Malden, Everett, Chelsea, Charlestown, Newton, Medford, Woburn, Burlington, Newton, Brookline, Framingham, Needham, Dedham, Norwood, Natick, Marlborough, Southborough, Westborough, Northborough, Hudson, Stow, Clinton, Shrewsbury, Hopkinton, Upton, Ashland, Millis, Weston, Sudbury, Lincoln, Bedford, Acton, Boxborough, Concord, Lexington, Winchester, Belmont, Harvard, Bolton, Wellesley, Wayland, Carlisle, Ashland, Holliston, Berlin, Lancaster, Leominster, Grafton, Milford, Hopedale, and Millis.