Hybrid Dinner Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 5:00PM
Wingate of Needham, 235 Gould St, Needham, MA 02494
Registration 5:00 - 6:00PM
Dinner 6:00 - 7:00PM
Program: 7:00PM
***In-person registration limited to 40. However, this program will be streamed live and recorded.
Helping Clients Rest in Peace:
Navigating End-of-Life Decisions in MA
“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.”
As elder law practitioners, we are often called upon during that troublesome transition when medical reality, legal authority, court involvement, and family dynamics converge under urgent and emotional circumstances. This program explores how to guide clients and families through end-of-life decision-making with clarity, dignity, and practical strategy, particularly when court oversight or legal uncertainty complicates the process.
Topics will include:
- The CPCS perspective on end-of-life decisions when court-appointed decision-makers are involved
- The evolving landscape of obtaining advance directives and MOLSTs through the Probate Court
- Judicial caution and advocacy considerations when a client is not yet on hospice but would not benefit from extraordinary measures
- Responding to a significant medical downturn when the court is and is not available
- Understanding palliative care vs. hospice and what services are available to Massachusetts residents
- Medical Aid in Dying:
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- What it is and what it is not
- Where it is currently available
- Eligibility and process under the proposed Massachusetts legislation
- Accessing medical aid in dying in Vermont as a Massachusetts resident
This program offers a candid and practical discussion of how we, as practitioners, help ensure that our clients’ final chapter reflects their wishes — so they may truly rest in peace.
Presenters
Attorney William Moore graduated from Boston University and then received his Juris Doctor from New England Law. For nearly 10 years he has been in private practice, but exclusively defends clients for the Committee for Public Counsel Services. In this role, he represents individuals in guardianship and commitment proceedings in Middlesex and Essex County.
Melissa Stacy is a lobbyist and campaign director with Compassion & Choices, covering the Northeast. She joined C&C four years ago following 18 years with the American Cancer Society and their Cancer Action Network. A passionate advocate for access to quality, affordable health care, Melissa's career has been focused on empowering individuals to speak out and speak up on legislation that would improve access to health care, including end of life options.
Attorney Gary Zalkin has been practicing mental health law for 25 years, representing families, hospitals and agencies, and individuals. Before that he practiced psychotherapy. He enjoys presenting and writing on mental health law matters, including the guardianship chapter of the MassPractice mental health law volume.
If you have any questions, contact Executive Director, Clarence Richardson, at Clarence@MassNAELA.com or (617) 566-5640