Area Lawyer to Teach Elder-law, Estate-planning Series at HCC

HOLYOKE — Attorney Karen Jackson of Jackson Law will teach a series of three classes on elder law and estate planning at Holyoke Community College on Mondays, May 2, 9, and 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Jackson, an elder-law attorney, will address hot topics in Medicare law, supplemental-needs trusts, and new developments in community and nursing-home-care payment programs. She will also focus on other current 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 she will 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.

Couples are encouraged to attend the class. To register, call Holyoke Community College at (413) 552-2500 or visit www.hcc.edu/bce.