Administering an estate involves legal filings, strict deadlines, and financial responsibilities that can quickly become difficult to manage on your own. Hiring an attorney helps ensure the estate is handled correctly under Massachusetts law, reduces delays, and limits the risk of personal liability for the person in charge.
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
When Banks Reject a Power of Attorney (And Why It Happens)
Banks can reject a power of attorney even when it appears valid. Most refusals come down to timing, wording, or internal policies, not necessarily because the document is legally defective. When this happens, it can delay access to accounts and disrupt financial decisions at the exact moment you need them handled.
The Most Expensive Estate Planning Mistakes Families Make
Estate planning mistakes can quietly drain an estate, trigger disputes, or force families into unnecessary court involvement. The most expensive missteps tend to involve outdated documents, poor coordination between assets, and decisions made without considering how Massachusetts law actually works in practice.
What Estate Planning Mistakes Cost Families...
What Happens If Your Agent Abuses Their Power of Attorney
An agent who abuses a power of attorney can face serious legal consequences, including removal, repayment of misused funds, and potential civil or criminal liability. You can take steps to stop the misconduct and protect the person who granted the authority, but timing and documentation matter.
What Does...
Planning for the Future: Your Estate Planning Essentials
Taking the time to plan for the future isn't just about finances; it's about peace of mind and ensuring your wishes are honored. Many people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy, but the truth is that every adult can benefit from having a clear roadmap in place.
An effective estate plan works for you in two...
Beyond the Will: Essential Estate Planning Documents You Need Now
Erin L. Nunes, Esq., Managing Partner at Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.
What if you were in an accident tomorrow and couldn't make your own financial or medical decisions? Many people assume that a will is all they need to protect their family and assets. But the truth is,...
How Family Conflict Can Destroy a Well-Drafted Trust
Family conflict can undermine even a carefully drafted trust by creating disputes over interpretation, control, and fairness. When disagreements escalate, they can delay distributions, increase costs, and lead to litigation that weakens the plan’s intended outcomes.
Why Do Family Conflicts Arise in Trust Administration?Tension...
Before the Crisis: Why Aging Care Planning Can’t Wait
Written by Sandra Deluca, MSW, LICSW, C-ASWCM, Alder Marketing President - New England
For many, getting the legal paperwork right feels like the finish line. The will is signed. The healthcare proxy is in place....
What Heirs Often Don’t Realize About Their Role in Probate
When someone passes away, heirs often assume their role is passive, simply waiting to receive their inheritance. In reality, heirs are often more involved in the legal, financial, and practical aspects of probate than they expect, especially if they serve as the estate’s personal representative or take an active role in the...
The Password Problem
By Guest Author: Michelle Cox, Owner of & Following Seas, LLC
We’ve all heard the advice: use strong, complex passwords. Include numbers, symbols, uppercase letters. Don’t reuse them. Change them regularly. On paper, it makes sense. In practice, it’s difficult to maintain.
The average person now...