Legal Lines News

Estate Planning and Elder Law

MARCH 2026

Protecting Those You Love:

Estate Planning When a Family Member Has a Disability

Many famous figures have argued that how a society treats its most vulnerable members is a measure of its humanity and moral character. Read more to learn that for families with disabled loved ones, estate planning must address proactive, coordinated decisions that protect benefits, support quality of life, and consider long-term financial planning alongside long-term care needs.

The Overlooked Risk in Every Estate Plan: Disability

Disability is often treated as a remote possibility, something that happens to other people. Yet one of the most persistent blind spots in planning conversations is disability risk. Comprehensive estate planning is not solely focused around death; it is also about preserving autonomy during life, including through any period of disability.

Read more to discover that is why an estate plan that overlooks disability altogether ignores one of life’s most consequential what-ifs and risks falling short if a health crisis strikes.

Planning for Yourself While Caring for Someone with a Disability

Most of us have been on a plane and heard the preflight safety instructions that include some version of the oxygen mask principle: Secure your own mask before assisting others.

Why do they emphasize this point? Because you cannot effectively help someone else if you are struggling to breathe. Applied to caregiving, the oxygen mask principle is a reminder that getting your own affairs in order is not selfish but essential. Read more to learn that caring for yourself and planning for your future helps ensure that you can continue to care for a loved one over the long term.

Note from Susana:

A New Way to Help When

You Don’t Know Where to Turn


Something unusual recently happened at Lannik Law.


Our team began taking a closer look at the phone calls we had been turning away because they didn’t fall neatly within the areas we traditionally practice—uncontested probate, elder law, and estate planning with document preparation.

FREE UPCOMING WEBINARS


All are welcome to attend!


Past clients, future clients, and family and friends of clients are invited to join us. These free webinars will provide helpful information, practical guidance, and an opportunity to learn more about the services and support offered by Lannik Law, LLC.


Upcoming Topics:


• We All Think We Have All the Time in the World

• Understanding Probate

• Protecting Your Assets While Ensuring Long-Term Care– Understanding Medicaid (MassHealth) Planning for Medicaid (MassHealth)


Click on learn to sign up. We look forward to seeing you there!

www.lanniklaw.com

Needham Office:

Staples Coworking

163 Highland Avenue

Needham, MA 02494

617-431-2669

Cape Cod:

Mashpee Common

2 Oak Street, Suite 202

Mashpee, MA 02459

508-444-9445

PROUD SUPPORTER

This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be considered legal advice, nor does the receipt of this newsletter create an attorney client relationship.