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Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy outlines the policies and procedures for the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information when you use our services. It explains your privacy rights and how legal protections apply to you. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
We use your personal data to provide and enhance our services. By accessing or using the service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
1. Interpretation and Definitions
Interpretation
Words with capitalized first letters have specific meanings as defined below. These definitions apply regardless of whether they appear in singular or plural form.
Definitions
- You: Refers to the individual or legal entity accessing or using the service.
- Affiliate: An entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a party.
- Account: A unique account created for You to access our services or specific parts of our services.
- Service: Refers to the Website and related offerings.
- Service Provider: Any third party engaged by the Company to facilitate the services we provide.
- Personal Data: Any information relating to an identifiable individual.
- Cookies: Small data files stored on your device that track browsing history and preferences.
- Device: Any internet-connected device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Usage Data: Automatically collected data, such as the pages you visit and time spent on the website.
2. Collecting and Using Your Personal Data
Types of Data Collected
- Personal Data While using our service, we may ask you for certain personal information, such as:
- Email address
- First and last name
- Phone number (including for SMS communication)
- Additional information or explanation about your situation, questions or help being requested
- Usage Data Usage data is collected automatically, including your IP address, browser type, and browsing history.
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and other tracking technologies (e.g., beacons, tags) to enhance your experience and analyze our website’s performance. You can control cookie usage through your browser settings, though disabling cookies may limit certain functionalities.
4. Use of Your Personal Data
We may use your personal data for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To operate and maintain the service.
- Account Management: To manage your account and provide access to certain features.
- Contract Performance: To fulfill contracts or transactions made through the service.
- Communication: To contact you via email, telephone, SMS, or other electronic means for service updates or notifications.
- Marketing: To send you news, offers, and information about related services, unless you opt out.
- Requests Management: To handle your inquiries and requests.
We do NOT sell your personal data.
5. SMS Communications
By providing your phone number, you consent to receiving SMS messages regarding contacting you, service updates, or other related communications. You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying “STOP” to any message or contacting us directly.
Standard data and messaging rates may apply, depending on your mobile service provider.
6. Sharing Your Personal Data
We may share your data in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: For processing or managing our services.
- Affiliates: To affiliated companies, subject to compliance with this policy.
- Business Transfers: In the case of a merger, sale, or asset transfer.
- Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws or respond to legal requests.
7. Retention of Your Personal Data
We will retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Usage data may be retained for a shorter period unless needed for security or service improvements.
8. Data Transfers
Your information may be processed or transferred to locations with different data protection laws than your jurisdiction. By using the service, you consent to such transfers, provided that we ensure adequate data security protections are in place.
9. Disclosure of Your Personal Data
We may disclose personal data:
- For business transactions such as mergers or acquisitions.
- To comply with legal obligations.
- To protect the rights, safety, or property of the company, users, or the public.
10. Security of Your Personal Data
We prioritize the security of your data and employ commercially reasonable measures to protect it. However, no method of data transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
11. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If we become aware of any such data collection, we will take steps to delete the information.
12. Your California Privacy Rights
California residents are entitled to request information about the sharing of their personal data with third parties for direct marketing purposes. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.
13. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites. Please review their privacy policies for more information.
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy periodically and will notify you by posting the revised version on our website. It is recommended that you review this page regularly for any changes.
15. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us.
16. This Website Uses Google Analytics
This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses “cookies” and other technologies to help analyze how users use the site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) is transmitted to Google and stored on servers in the U.S. Google uses this information to evaluate your use of the website, compile reports on website activity, and provide other services related to website activity and internet usage. Google may transfer this information to third parties if required by law or if those parties process information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser; however, if you do this, you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to Google’s processing of your data as described above.
17. We May Utilize Google Ads, YouTube Ads, Remarketing, Micorosft Ads, Facebook Ads, Custom Audiences, and Other Online Advertising Services and Tactics
Our business may use Google Ads and other similar services to advertise on third-party websites (including Google) to new and previous visitors of our site. In the case of previous visitors (called Remarketing), this allows us to display ads to previous visitors. Ads may be shown on the Google search results page or sites in the Google Display Network and/or on YouTube. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on past visits to our site. Data collected will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and Google’s privacy policy.
You can set preferences for how Google advertises to you via the Google Ad Preferences page, or opt out of interest-based advertising entirely by adjusting your browser settings or using a browser plugin. You can also visit www.aboutads.info/choices or Facebook Ad Settings to opt out of targeted ads. Other services may have their own opt-out processes.
We may also use third-party digital advertising services such as Micorosoft Ads, Facebook/Instagram, LinkedIn, and others. We may also utilize Google’s “cross-device functionality” to show ads on devices other than the one used to first visit our website.
18. This Website May Use Call Tracking Numbers
This website may track phone calls made to the phone numbers listed on its web pages or ads. Caller ID information and data related to the ad clicked may be passed to a third-party call tracking service. To minimize information passed, you can block caller ID before making the call or contact us via email instead of by phone.
19. Customer Reviews, Testimonials, and Comments
Our website may contain client reviews, testimonials, and feedback. These reviews may be posted online or provided directly to us. We may correct minor errors for readability but do not change the material content. Reviews reflect personal experiences, and results may vary. We do not guarantee others will have the same experience. If a review changes after being posted on our site and we are made aware of it, we will update it accordingly however, we do not continuously monitor online reviews for edits.
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We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Check Out What Our Clients Are Saying… That’s What Really Matters!
I worked with Polly to update my will and create a revocable trust… The entire process went very smoothly. I highly recommend Polly Tatum and her staff. They are all very professional and friendly people.
Cynthia D.
Worcester, MA
Professional Associations
Questions or Schedule An Appointment?
Call Us: (508) 795-1557
Questions or Schedule An Appointment?
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Our Services
How may we help you?
Elder Law
As people age, they may face different legal challenges than when they were younger.
Medicaid Planning
As your golden years approach, it may be time to consider many of the aspects of your future.
Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Probate
When you lose a loved one, the last thing you want to deal with is the legalities of their estate.
Real Clients, Real Reviews
Read More ReviewsQuestions or Schedule An Appointment?
Call Us: (508) 795-1557
Questions or Schedule An Appointment?
Call Us: (508) 795-1557
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can An Estate Planning Lawyer Do For Me?
Estate planning lawyers can help you with a wide variety of legal matters, including wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration.
What Does An Elder Law Attorney Do?
An elder law attorney can help with any legal issues that come up with regard to yourself as you age or an older loved one. These issues can include things like planning how to pay for long-term care, making sure that long-term care is appropriate and that no abuse or neglect is occurring, and helping with things like trusts that can ensure our elderly loved ones are provided for.
Do I Need More Than Just A Will?
While a will can take care of some very basic aspects of your estate, like distribution of some assets and guardianship of minor children, it cannot do things like designate a trusted person to make medical or financial decisions for you if you are unable, make your wishes known as to your medical care at the end of life, or provide managed financial benefits for special needs family members, for example. A will is essential, but it is rarely enough to take care of things should you become incapacitated or die.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Attorney?
The cost of hiring an attorney depends on the type of case you have and the amount of work that is required. In most cases, we offer a consultation so that you can get an estimate of the cost of our services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
How Is Medicaid Different From Medicare?
Medicare is a government-funded insurance program that covers some or all of the costs of certain medical procedures for qualified participants (generally, the elderly or disabled). Medicare does not cover the costs of long-term care. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a government entitlement program that can cover the costs of long-term care for those who meet certain income and asset qualifications.
What If We Don’t Qualify For Medicaid?
Medicaid eligibility planning is best started long before anyone in your family needs long-term care, but even if that planning has not been done in advance, there are some ways to make eligibility more likely while still protecting the assets of a spouse who does not need long-term care, for example. Contact our office, even if you think you won’t qualify for Medicaid. We may have options to suggest.
Why Is An Estate Plan Important?
An estate plan is important because it allows you to control what happens to your property and assets after your death. Without an estate plan, the court will decide how your property is distributed, which may not be in accordance with your wishes. An estate plan can also help you avoid probate, which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Why Should I Hire The Law Office Of Polly Tatum?
The Law Office of Polly Tatum is an experienced team who is ready to help you. Our firm has a wide range of experience in estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, and divorce and elder mediation. An experienced law firm with a good track record can help you get the legal help you deserve.
How does Massachusetts estate planning address guardianship for minor children?
Parents can name a guardian for their minor children in their will. This designation becomes effective upon the parents’ death, subject to court approval. Massachusetts law outlines the process for appointing a guardian, a crucial task for ensuring that someone you trust will care for your children if you pass away.
Are there estate taxes in Massachusetts, and how can they affect my estate plan?
Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $1 million. The tax rate varies depending on the size of the estate. Proper estate planning, including the use of trusts and charitable donations, can help minimize estate taxes and preserve more of your wealth for your heirs.
What are health care directives and why are they necessary?
Health care directives, including living wills and healthcare proxies, are legal documents that communicate your medical care preferences if you become unable to make decisions yourself. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 201D, a health care proxy allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, aligning your medical treatment with your wishes.
Why is a power of attorney important in estate planning?
A power of attorney (POA) is a document that allows you to appoint someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Massachusetts law provides for durable power of attorney, which remains effective even if you become mentally incapacitated, ensuring that the person you designate will manage your affairs according to your wishes.
How does the probate process work in Massachusetts?
Probate, governed by the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (Chapter 190B) is the legal process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing the deceased’s estate. The process can be simplified for smaller estates, but generally involves filing the will with the local probate court, notifying heirs and creditors, and distributing the estate according to the will or state law.
How does a trust work in Massachusetts estate planning?
Trusts are legal arrangements where a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Massachusetts law allows for various types of trusts, including revocable and irrevocable trusts. Trusts can help manage and protect assets, avoid probate, and potentially reduce estate taxes.
Why is it important to have a will?
A will is a legal document that allows you to specify how your assets will be distributed after your death. In Massachusetts, if you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. A will honors your wishes helps minimize disputes among heirs.
How do Massachusetts-specific regulations affect Medicaid Planning?
Massachusetts has unique regulations, such as specific allowances for spousal income and resource protection, which can significantly influence Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies. Understanding these state-specific rules is crucial for effective planning.
What are common challenges in Medicaid Planning?
Common challenges include meeting income and asset limits, understanding the intricate rules, and avoiding penalties due to improper asset transfers during the “look-back” period. A Medicaid Planning attorney can help you navigate these challenges effectively.
What is the Medicaid application process like?
The Medicaid application process involves submitting detailed financial and medical information to demonstrate eligibility. Because this complex process requires careful documentation, consult a Medicaid Planning attorney to guide you through the legalities and seek to meet the criteria.
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