Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, mother has 3 mortgage free houses with her name and

the 3 sibling's nameon the deed who is to receive the house upon her

demise. She is now ill and in short term rehab in a nursing home. If

it turns into long termnursing home care, can the nursing home go

after the houses?


Asked on 9/27/09, 10:42 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

I'm sorry to hear that your mother is ill.

You should really sit down with a lawyer and review the deeds carefully to determine ownership. Depending on the type of ownership evidenced by the deed, each property could pass automatically to the remaining joint owners, or it is possible that your mother's share in the property could pass according to her will or the laws of intestacy.

Your mother may need to 'spend down' certain assets in order to quality for medicaid. The rules are complicated and very fact specific. You would be well-advised to speak with a lawyer.

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Answered on 10/02/09, 10:53 am

I am sorry to hear your mother is ill.

The short answer is yes. They would seek to attach the non-primary residences first. You need to sit down with an attorney ASAP.

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Answered on 10/02/09, 11:01 am


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