Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Clients Throughout Southeastern Massachusetts & Cape Cod
Our offices are opened during normal business hours. We also offer virtual appointments, in person
meetings as well as social distance meetings at all of our locations.
Estate planning may seem overwhelming and daunting, but it’s really a matter of getting your affairs in order. Of course, no two estate plans are alike. Some individuals may only require a will-based plan, while others may benefit from establishing trusts. Regardless of what your needs may be, the best way to plan for your future, protect your interests, and provide for your loved ones is to consult a trustworthy estate planning attorney
Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. is a premier estate planning and elder law practice serving clients in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands. Our lead partners, Daniel Surprenant and Michelle Beneski, are certified as elder law attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation, 2 of only 24 CELA attorneys practicing in Massachusetts. This distinction makes our firm uniquely qualified to handle all of your estate plan. When you become our client, you will have peace of mind knowing that your future, your family, and your wealth are in good hands.
Estate Planning
Estate planning can help to achieve a number of important objectives, not the least of which are preserving your wealth, providing for your loved ones, and planning for long-term care. Regardless of your financial status or family circumstances, the best way to protect your assets and your legacy is to consult an experienced estate planning attorney.
Estate & Trust Administration
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our team of estate planning attorneys help clients navigate the complicated trust administration process in Massachusetts. In addition to providing advice and guidance to trustees, our team also works to protect the rights of beneficiaries.
Elder Law
As our society ages, more individuals will face unique challenges regarding their estates, the cost of long-term care, and other financial concerns. The practice of elder law, which encompasses estate planning, long-term care planning, guardianships, and other aspects of law, is dedicated to helping elders and their loved ones meet these challenges.
Special Needs Planning
If you are caring for a child or young adult with a disability, you likely have concerns about their future when you are no longer around to provide for them. Individuals with special needs often receive public benefits such as Social Security disability benefits and Medicaid (MassHealth), however, receiving an inheritance could jeopardize their benefit status.
Business Succession
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 90 percent of businesses in the U.S. are family-owned or controlled, many of which may not be prepared for the owner’s sudden death, illness or retirement. Given the fact that no business can survive without a capable leader at the helm, the best way to protect your family-run or closely-held business is by establishing a business succession plan.
Why do I need an estate plan?
Some people think they don’t need an estate plan because they don’t own property, are unmarried or don’t have children. Nonetheless, everyone has an “estate,” which means that estate planning is for everyone. It’s also the responsible thing to do. Without an estate plan, your property will be managed and distributed according to the intestacy laws of Massachusetts, which will likely not agree with your wishes.
At Suprenant & Beneski, P.C., we will work collaboratively with you to design an estate plan that suits your unique needs and helps achieve your objectives. When you partner with us, we will take the stress out of the process and provide you with guidance when you need it most.
We start by gaining an understanding of your estate — real estate, investments, retirement plans, insurance — and then help to build your support team — healthcare agent, guardian, executor, trustee. We are committed to helping you protect your interests and provide for your loved ones.
- Last Will and Testament (Will)
- Revocable Living Trust
- Irrevocable Trust (Special Needs Trust, Medicaid Trust)
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Advance Medical Directive (“Healthcare Proxy”)
- Living Will
Estate planning requires the experience and expertise that our CELA attorneys and winning legal team provide. We are keenly aware that planning for the future and confronting your own mortality is never easy, but a well-conceived estate plan is really about preserving your wealth today so that you are prepared for tomorrow.
Additionally, we provide ongoing counsel so that you can seamlessly handle life’s transitions — getting married, starting a family, acquiring property, accumulating wealth, and retiring. Estate planning is not about the destination, but rather the journey, and we will be there for you every step of the way. Above all, our guiding principle is to always put your best interests first.
What is Elder Law?
As our society ages, more and more elders and their families must confront the difficult challenges of aging — declining health, long-term care planning, asset protection and a number of other concerns. Our elder law attorneys will address these concerns and help you manage these challenges so that you can enjoy your golden years and age with dignity.
Learn More About Elder Law
Long-term Care Planning
By failing to plan for both medical and non-medical needs, the exorbitant costs of long-term care can easily deplete your savings. Whether you require non-skilled care to assist with daily tasks such as dressing, feeding, shopping and light housekeeping, or your needs require skilled nursing care, working with our certified elder law attorneys will give you comfort knowing that all of your needs will be met. We will provide you with knowledge and compassion as we explore all your options, such as obtaining long-term care insurance, selecting a skilled nursing facility, and qualifying for vital public benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid.
Medicaid Planning
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides medical assistance to low-income individuals, and those who are 65 or older, however, you may not qualify because your financial resources exceed the eligibility threshold. Our elder law attorneys can structure a Medicaid Trust that protects your home and assets while preserving your eligibility for this vital benefit.
Ultimately, it takes our skilled and compassionate elder law attorneys to help you and your family manage the challenges of aging. We will earn your trust by providing you with advice and guidance so that you can make the best decisions.
Planning & Elder Law
The two biggest estate planning mistakes that people make are not formulating a plan or waiting until it’s too late to plan their estate. In fact, more than 60 percent of Americans do not even have a basic will. As daunting as estate planning may be, why not start planning your estate today?
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we provide a powerful combination of knowledge, skills, and expertise and will help you navigate the process. Regardless of your family or financial status, we will tailor an estate plan to your unique circumstances.
- Cost savings for future needs (avoid cost of conservatorship, guardianship, etc.)
- Tax minimization / avoidance
- Probate cost avoidance
- Proper documentation to facilitate your healthcare in the case of incapacity
- Preservation of your legacy
Although the value of estate planning may seem intangible right now, you are investing today to protect everything you value for tomorrow. We will help bring order to your life and alleviate anxiety by providing you with cost-effective, comprehensive estate planning services. Please reach out to our office today to speak with our attorneys.
Planning For Myself
There are many legal strategies involved in estate planning, including wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, and health care documents. New clients often say that they do not have an estate plan.
Long Term Care Planning
There are many legal strategies involved in long term care including incapacity planning, qualifying for public benefits, finding the right nursing home, appointing guardianship or conservatorship and asset protection.
Principal Attorneys
Daniel and Michelle are 2 of 24
Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Massachusetts
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Our Locations
35 Arnold Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
45 Bristol Drive, Easton, MA 02375
336 South Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
