Jessica A. Demmerly
Blending legal skill with a background in geriatric social services, Jessica brings a uniquely compassionate and informed approach to estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning.
She brings unique insights and deep empathy to her work with older adults and their families. Her compassionate, personalized approach ensures clients feel heard, understood, and validated.
Jessica chose elder law because of her genuine passion for supporting seniors and addressing their families’ complex challenges. Her practice naturally extends into special needs planning, an area she finds particularly rewarding due to its dynamic nature and the significant positive impact thoughtful planning can make. Understanding that no two situations are identical, Jessica carefully tailors each plan to match her client’s specific circumstances and needs.
Jessica regularly works with individuals, couples, and families facing the emotional and practical complexities of financing long-term care for elderly loved ones or managing the lifelong support of children with special needs. She recognizes the anxieties many clients have about ensuring their end-of-life wishes are respected and works diligently to help them achieve peace of mind. Additionally, Jessica has a special focus on assisting older adults without spouses, children, or close family—guiding them through sensitive decisions about managing their affairs and care should they become incapacitated or pass away.
Collaborating closely with care managers and financial professionals, Jessica proactively addresses her clients’ future needs and expertly manages crisis situations when they arise. She aims to empower clients with thoughtful, comprehensive estate plans that honor their wishes, ease their worries, and provide clarity and security for the future.
Ensuring Clarity and Peace at End-of-Life
Swiftly developed and executed an estate plan during a client’s final days, clearly documenting his wishes and ensuring the smooth administration of his estate while honoring end-of-life preferences.
Securing Continuity for a Child with Special Needs
Guided parents through critical planning and guardianship arrangements timed precisely with their child’s eighteenth birthday, ensuring that essential medical and residential support services continued without interruption.
Navigating Complex Medicaid Challenges
Secured MassHealth eligibility for a spouse in a nursing home despite complicated financial circumstances and family dynamics, successfully appealing denials and vigorously advocating for clients in numerous Fair Hearings.
Education
- JD, Rutgers Law School – Camden Law
- BA, cum laude, Boston College
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
Experience recognized
- Best Lawyers in America, Trusts & Estates, 2026
- Best Lawyers Ones to Watch, Elder Law, 2023-2025
- Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers, Elder Law, 2022-2025
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Rising Star, Top Rated Elder Law Lawyer, 2018
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2023-2025
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2016-2022
- The New Jersey Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Award, 2012
- The American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics Health Law Award, 2011
- Estate Planning and Planning for a Child with Special Needs, South Shore Educational Collaborative (March 2023)
- People v. US v. Obama: An Analysis of Religious Challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- Elder Law Basics and Medicaid Planning, Estate Planning: BasicPlus!, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (2015-present)
- Nursing Home MassHealth Eligibility, Estate Planning for the Aging or Incapacitated Client in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education
- Boston Bar Association, Past Co-Chair Elder & Disability Law Subcommittee: Trusts & Estates Steering Committee
- Boston Estate Planning Council
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- Rubin Rudman Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee