Area Lawyer to Lead Series on Elder Law, Estate Planning at HCC

HOLYOKE — Attorney Karen Jackson of Jackson & Torrone, P.C., will lead a series of classes on elder law and estate planning at Holyoke Community College on Mondays, April 13, April 20, and May 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Jackson, an elder law attorney, will explain how to maximize Social Security retirement benefits and how to avoid the new traps and take advantage of the new benefits in current Medicare law. She will also focus on other hot topics and significant elder-law issues.

Through stories and real examples, Jackson will highlight the core estate plan and the importance of each document in it. She will discuss the problems that can occur when proper documents are not prepared before a loss of mental capacity, and explain the different types of trusts that can be considered, including supplemental needs trusts, revocable trusts, and irrevocable trusts.

Jackson will also address the probate court process and explain how to determine which assets must go through probate after a death. In addition, she will discuss various Medicaid programs that provide financial assistance for community and long-term skilled nursing care.

The cost for all three classes is $85. Couples are encouraged to attend. Register by calling Holyoke Community College at (413) 552-2500 or online at www.hcc.edu/bce. For more information, contact Jackson at (413) 532-1200 or kgjackson@jackson-torrone.com.