Elder Law Attorney · North Adams, Massachusetts
We help protect your estate from elder care costs.
Dedicated to protecting my clients’ homes and savings from the high cost of nursing home care so they can pass an inheritance on to their loved ones.
Welcome
Welcome to Berkshire Elder Law
Dedicated to protecting my clients’ homes and savings from the high cost of nursing home care so they can pass an inheritance on to their loved ones.
This website is designed to educate you in the areas of medicaid, estate planning and probate administration so that you can protect your assets and plan for the future. No doubt you have heard horror stories about someone going into a nursing home and losing their life savings, including the family home. Unfortunately, these stories are true. The good news is that with proper planning you or a loved one can avoid this unhappy result!
What is elder law? Elder law is a growing area of the law which provides education, guidance and legal services to the senior population so they can obtain the peace of mind they richly deserve. An elder law attorney must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of medicaid laws, estate planning techniques, real estate conveyancing, estate income and gift tax laws, not to mention social security and medicare laws. As an elder law attorney specializing in this area, I am dedicated to keeping abreast of the constant changes in order to provide my clients with essential legal services and solutions.
How we can help
Legal Services Available
Estate Planning & Probate
Many people fall into the trap that estate planning is only for the very wealthy. Having a will in place along with other estate planning documents is an essential step in ensuring control over your personal & financial matters.
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Medicaid Planning
As the population continues to age, more and more people will need nursing home care or substantial services in the home. With early planning, you can protect your life savings for your future care and security.
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Real Estate Transactions
With over 25 years of real estate conveyancing experience, we represent both buyers and sellers in residential and commercial purchases, sales and refinances.
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Alzheimer's Planning
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease brings legal, financial and personal challenges. Learn how to plan ahead and download our free 32 page Guide to Alzheimer's Care.
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Free from Attorney Sisto
Learn before you need it
The Elder Helper
My free newsletter was created for the purpose of educating seniors and the professionals who assist them on the laws and issues confronting the elderly.
Read recent issuesHome & Savings Protection Kit
This kit provides answers to frequently asked questions about the medicaid qualification rules, medicaid planning, probate process and the advantages & disadvantages of life estates. Send me your name and address or e-mail to receive this free kit.
Request the free kitFree Reports
These reports answer frequently asked questions, such as: What is medicaid and how does it differ from medicare? Can I protect my home and life savings? Do I really need a Will and Power of Attorney?
Browse the reportsIn the news
Attorney Sisto joins Martin Hochberg & Cianflone as partner
As featured in The Berkshire Eagle, James J. Sisto, Esq., founder of Berkshire Elder Law Center PC, has formally joined the law firm of Martin Hochberg & Cianflone, PLLP as a full-time partner. He continues to focus on elder law and Medicaid planning from the firm’s office at 33 Main Street in North Adams, helping clients protect their homes and savings.
Client testimonials
What our clients say
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During a difficult time, he helped me immensely, put me at ease and told me what I needed to know about complicated issues.
Jerry Nadeu, Adams, MA
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When my wife first told me about you and the services you provided, I was skeptical. But I was glad I did because you saved me and my 90 year old aunt a lot of money.
Guy B., North Adams, MA
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After mom died, there were probate questions and questions relating to our estate plan. We needed someone knowledgeable, someone we could trust and rely upon. You talked to us like a friend and not like a client. Thanks!
Gail & Ron O'Brien, North Adams, MA
Current news & events
From the office
May 3, 2019
The National Alliance of Attorneys for Alzheimer's Planning
Jim is proud to announce that he is a founding member of the recently formed National Alliance of Attorneys for Alzheimer's Planning (N3AP).
September 9, 2016
A Mother's Story
I will forever be thankful to have witnessed the extent of her mother's love.
February 2, 2013
Sushi Fest 2012
Over 50 sushi lovers had a festive evening at the North Adams American Legion while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Plan now. Protect your home and savings.
Due to changes in the medicaid laws, it’s more important now to plan early. Call our North Adams office to schedule a consultation.