Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney in Massachusetts
The Law Offices of Brian E. Barreira has been a trusted legal resource for families and individuals across Massachusetts since 1996. Specializing in estate planning, trusts, probate, elder law, and MassHealth applications, our practice combines deep expertise in federal and state tax laws with a commitment to personalized service. With an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and recognition as a Massachusetts SuperLawyer for 15 consecutive years, we bring decades of experience to complex legal matters. Our team holds advanced credentials including a Certified Elder Law Attorney designation from the National Elder Law Foundation and an LL.M. in Taxation.We have authored definitive legal treatises on Massachusetts estate planning and maintain active roles in national legal organizations. Our practice emphasizes cost-effective solutions for asset protection, guardianship, and Medicaid planning while advocating for clients through litigation when necessary. With a history of landmark cases and extensive speaking engagements, we combine practical experience with thought leadership to deliver comprehensive legal strategies tailored to each client's unique needs.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate
Elder Law
Medicaid Planning
Trust Litigation
Tax Planning
Guardianship
Special Needs Trusts
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in elder law and estate planning.
- Our attorney holds an LL.M. in Taxation for comprehensive legal solutions.
- We are AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated for legal excellence and ethics.
- Our practice includes landmark Medicaid planning case law protections.
- We maintain active roles in national elder law and probate organizations.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
- National Elder Law Foundation
- Massachusetts SuperLawyers
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive strategies to preserve family wealth and ensure proper asset distribution. We develop customized wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that address tax minimization, guardianship for minors, and probate avoidance. Our approach integrates federal and Massachusetts-specific tax laws to protect real estate, business interests, and personal assets while respecting clients' wishes for healthcare decisions and charitable giving.
Medicaid Planning
Specialized Medicaid planning helps clients navigate Massachusetts' complex eligibility requirements for long-term care. We implement legal strategies to protect assets while qualifying for benefits, handle appeals for denied applications, and create irrevocable trusts that comply with state regulations. Our practice includes landmark case law protections for home preservation and expert guidance through the MassHealth application process for nursing home residents and their families.
Probate
We guide executors and beneficiaries through Massachusetts probate proceedings with expertise in estate tax compliance and asset distribution. Our services include will validation, trust administration, and resolution of contested estates while minimizing tax liabilities. We help personal representatives fulfill their fiduciary duties while protecting beneficiaries' interests through proper documentation and court representation when necessary.
Trust Litigation
Our trust litigation practice addresses contested estate matters including breach of fiduciary duty claims, trust modifications, and disputes over asset management. We represent trustees and beneficiaries in probate court proceedings while leveraging our deep understanding of Massachusetts trust law. Our experience includes handling complex cases involving irrevocable trusts, special needs arrangements, and contested Medicaid planning strategies.
Special Needs Trusts
We create specialized trusts that protect government benefits for individuals with disabilities while maintaining quality of life. Our trusts comply with federal and state regulations to ensure eligibility for Medicaid and SSI while allowing discretionary distributions for supplemental needs. We incorporate durable powers of attorney and guardianship provisions to address evolving care requirements throughout beneficiaries' lifetimes.
People
Brian E. Barreira
Attorney
With over 30 years of experience, Brian E. Barreira is a nationally recognized elder law attorney and Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. He holds an LL.M. in Taxation and has authored definitive works on Massachusetts estate planning. His practice includes landmark Medicaid planning cases and active leadership roles in national legal organizations.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in estate planning, probate, elder law, Medicaid planning, trust litigation, and special needs trusts for Massachusetts residents.
How can Medicaid planning help protect my assets?
Our Medicaid planning strategies help protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits through legal tools like irrevocable trusts and proper asset transfers.
Do you handle contested estate matters?
Yes, we represent clients in trust litigation and probate disputes including contested wills, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and trust modifications.
What makes your estate planning different?
Our approach combines elder law expertise with tax planning, incorporating federal and Massachusetts-specific regulations to create comprehensive, future-proof estate plans.
Can you help with special needs planning?
We create specialized trusts that maintain government benefits eligibility while providing for individuals with disabilities through discretionary distributions.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes, we conduct Zoom meetings for clients who cannot travel to our Plymouth office.
