I have lost count of all the women in my life reading “Strangers – A Memoir of Marriage” by Belle Burden. Burden’s story of the arc, from beginning to end, of her marriage to “James” is heartbreaking, cautionary, and triumphant all at the same time. I picked it up because my book club selected it; most others have been motivated by friends or BookTok influencers who say it’s a must-read for anyone who is married or intending to marry. This word-of-mouth endorsement can be credited to Burden’s willingness to pinpoint where she could have protected herself better – not emotionally, but legally and financially – from the possibility that her marriage to James might end.
Every Massachusetts homeowner should be aware of the opportunities that are available for protecting the equity in the family home. A recent bankruptcy case, In re: Nealon, reminds us of one such opportunity – the Massachusetts homestead exemption -- and its power to stave off creditors, especially when the homeowner takes the simple steps necessary to maximize the amount entitled to protection.
Generation to Generation is a curated resource featuring insights from Nutter’s Private Client and Nonprofit and Social Impact attorneys. Through blogs, client case studies, and downloadable guides, the site supports individuals, couples, and multi-generational families seeking to convey wealth, and its responsibilities, to children and grandchildren, make a philanthropic impact in the community, and prepare for the life events we all face.
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Editor in Chief; Partner, Private Client; Co-Chair, Nonprofit and Social Impact
Partner, Private Client
Chair, Tax; Co-Chair, Nonprofit and Social Impact
