You can leave unequal inheritances to your children as long as your estate plan clearly reflects your intent and complies with Massachusetts law. The focus should be on making sure your wishes are legally enforceable and structured in a way that reduces the risk of disputes later. Families are rarely identical, and...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Plan today. Feel good tomorrow.
A Message from Michelle D. Beneski, Managing Partner, CELA, LLM Taxation
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At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, we have always been about helping you "get your ducks in a row". For decades, this phrase has defined our firm’s identity, representing our commitment to helping families find order and security...
Can You Contest a Trust in Massachusetts?
You can contest a trust in Massachusetts, but only under specific circumstances and within strict time limits. Courts do not undo a trust simply because the result feels unfair. There must be evidence that something legally went wrong when the trust was created or later amended.
When a trust...
Meet the Legacy Duck—The Pride of Finishing Strong
We have reached the final week of Feel Good February! Over the last three weeks, we’ve secured your team with the Guardian Duck, organized your assets with the Treasure Duck, and ensured your personal care with the Comfort Duck.
Now, it is time to bring it all together with our final guide: The Legacy Duck. This week...
Meet the Comfort Duck—The Relief of Feeling Cared For
Welcome to Week 3 of Feel Good February. So far, we’ve secured our team with the Guardian Duck and organized our assets with the Treasure Duck. This week, we introduce a guide that handles one of the most personal and emotional aspects of planning: The Comfort Duck.
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, we believe that estate planning...
Meet the Treasure Duck—The Joy of Feeling Organized
Welcome to Week 2 of Feel Good February! Last week, we secured our "helpers" with the Guardian Duck. This week, we are shifting our focus to the things you own and the people you love. We call this The Treasure Duck.
When people think about estate planning, they often worry about the...
Meet the Guardian Duck—The Secret to Feeling Secure
As we kick off Feel Good February, we’re starting with the foundation of any great plan: the people. We call this first step The Guardian Duck.
While estate planning often brings to mind stacks of paper and legal jargon, the Guardian Duck represents something much simpler and more human—security. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing that if you...
The “Granny Flat” Revolution: How the New Massachusetts’ ADU Law Could Impact Estate Planning
Erin L. Nunes, Esq., Managing Partner
The phrase "aging in place" has long been a goal for many Massachusetts families. The desire for seniors to remain in their homes, surrounded by loved ones and familiar communities, is strong. But the reality of high costs for assisted living and in-home care often...
What Assets Does MassHealth Allow You to Keep?
MassHealth has strict financial limits, but not every asset counts toward eligibility. Some personal property, a primary residence within equity limits, certain vehicles, life insurance with low cash value, and approved burial funds can remain protected. Countable assets include savings, investments, and real estate that is not your home. Understanding how these...
How Long Does It Take to Administer an Estate?
Estate administration in Massachusetts often takes nine months to a year, although some estates close sooner and others take longer. The timing depends on court filings, creditor claims, tax issues, disputes among beneficiaries, and how quickly the personal representative can gather and distribute assets. Most beneficiaries receive partial or full distributions once...