Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Elder Law Services in Massachusetts
Established in 1996, the Law Offices of Brian E. Barreira have dedicated over 25 years to providing comprehensive legal solutions in estate planning, trusts, probate, and elder law across Massachusetts. Our practice combines deep expertise in federal and state tax regulations, Medicaid planning, and disability law to create tailored strategies that protect clients' assets and future. With an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1992, recognition as a Massachusetts SuperLawyer for 14 consecutive years, and certification as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, we uphold the highest standards of legal excellence.As editor of the Massachusetts Estate Planning Treatise and holder of a Master of Laws in Taxation, I integrate advanced tax knowledge into every case. Our firm prioritizes practical, cost-effective solutions while maintaining rigorous ethical standards, demonstrated through our active role in shaping elder law as a specialty and our commitment to client education through extensive published works and community engagement.
Services
Estate Planning
Elder Law
Probate Litigation
MassHealth Planning
Trust Administration
Guardianship Cases
Taxation Law
Special Needs Trusts
Wills & Probate
Asset Protection
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- AV-Rated since 1992 for legal excellence and ethics
- Certified Elder Law Attorney by National Elder Law Foundation
- Editor of Massachusetts Estate Planning Treatise
- Holds LL.M. in Taxation for advanced tax planning expertise
- Recognized SuperLawyer for 14 consecutive years
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
- National Elder Law Foundation Certified Elder Law Attorney
- Massachusetts SuperLawyer
Services
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning services create customized strategies to protect assets and ensure proper distribution. We specialize in wills, trusts, and tax-efficient transfers while addressing unique family dynamics and long-term care needs. Clients receive practical guidance to minimize probate complexities and maximize inheritance value.
Elder Law
We provide specialized elder law representation covering Medicaid planning, nursing home transitions, and guardianship matters. Our approach combines legal expertise with compassionate counsel to address age-related challenges while preserving clients' autonomy and financial security through strategic asset protection techniques.
Probate Litigation
Handling contested trusts and estates requires both legal acumen and sensitivity. We represent executors and beneficiaries in resolving inheritance disputes, will challenges, and fiduciary conflicts while maintaining strict adherence to Massachusetts probate laws and court procedures.
MassHealth Planning
Our Medicaid planning expertise navigates complex eligibility requirements and asset transfer rules. We develop legally compliant strategies to protect assets while securing necessary long-term care benefits, including appeals processes and fair hearing representation before state agencies.
Special Needs Trusts
We establish specialized trusts that maintain government benefit eligibility while providing supplemental care for disabled beneficiaries. Our approach balances legal requirements with individual needs, addressing both financial protection and quality-of-life considerations through customized trust structures.
People
Brian E. Barreira
Attorney & Founder
With over 30 years of legal experience, including 11 years at State Street Bank and Trust, Brian specializes in estate planning and elder law. He holds an LL.M. in Taxation and has authored key industry publications while maintaining active roles in national legal organizations.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus on estate planning, elder law, probate litigation, Medicaid planning, and special needs trusts, with particular expertise in Massachusetts-specific regulations and tax considerations.
How do you handle initial consultations?
We use a pre-consultation questionnaire to maximize efficiency, followed by a comprehensive 50-75 minute session where we develop personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.
What makes your practice different?
Our unique combination of AV-rating, SuperLawyer recognition, and specialized elder law certification is complemented by advanced tax expertise and extensive published contributions to the legal field.
Do you serve clients outside Plymouth?
Yes, we serve clients throughout Massachusetts including Cape Cod, Greater Boston, and southeastern Norfolk County, with virtual consultations available for remote clients.
How are legal fees structured?
We provide transparent fee discussions after initial consultations, with many clients finding our costs more competitive than firms offering free initial meetings due to our efficient case management approach.
Can you help with Medicaid appeals?
Yes, we specialize in Medicaid/MassHealth application processes, including appeals representation and strategic planning to maintain eligibility while protecting assets.
