Attorney John L. Roberts
Undergraduate: Boston University, B.A. in 1976
Law School: Western New England University, School of Law. J.D. cum laude in 1989.
Government service prior to law practice: Judicial Law Clerk,
United States District Court,
Springfield, Massachusetts.
1989 - 1991.
I am a member of:
• Hampden County Estate Planning Council
• Massachusetts Bar Association
• Connecticut Bar Association
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
• Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts
• Real Estate Section, Hampden County Bar Association
My Estate Planning Vision: That your legacy is protected, and that you have a designated a family member or first friend who will protect your interests if you become unable to act during your lifetime.
My Mission: To bring peace of mind from knowing your decisions will be respected and carried out according to your instructions;
to explain the law clearly, so that you can chose the best options to protect your quality of life and express your intentions.
I prepare Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy documents that protect you and your family from unnecessary Probate costs and taxes.
I value: your right to arrange assets and financial matters so that courts are not involved, taxes are reduced or eliminated, and your family legacy is protected. Judge Learned explained we are free to plan our lives with no patriotic duty to increase our taxes. Helvering v. Gregory, 69 F.2d 809, 810 (2d Cir. 1934), aff'd 293 U.S. 465, (1935). The Supreme Court agreed that taxpayers are wise to “order their affairs so as to minimize taxes.” Superior Oil Co. v. Mississippi, 280 U.S. 390, 395-396 (1930). No one "owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands.” Atlantic Coast Line v. Phillips, 332 U.S. 168, 172-173 (1947).
When I plan or settle an estate, I work with a team of the client advisors: Banker, Accountant or Tax Preparer, Financial Planner, and Insurance Agent.
Continuing Legal Education Presentations:
May 19, 2021 | Hampden County Bar Association Real Estate Section - Part 2 of SJC courtroom drama with surprise ending for buyer’s counsel who learned how warranty of habitability is a remedy restricted to a segment of the real estate business: builder-vendors.
February 17, 2021 | Hampden County Bar Association Real Estate Section - Discussion of real estate title issues in Guilfoil Case where a Medicaid Applicant was denied eligibility for MassHealth based on Nominee Trust real estate ownership arrangement:
Read Guilfoil v. Scty of Office Of Health & Human Services | Docket
November 7, 2019 | Hampden County Bar Association - Estate planning for digital assets. Excerpts: