Protecting Your Legacy with a Complete Estate Plan
Incomplete estate plans can leave your family unprotected and your wishes unclear. Many Massachusetts residents begin the process of estate planning but overlook key documents or fail to update them after major life events. At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., we represent clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts in creating and updating comprehensive estate plans that reflect their goals, protect their assets, and prevent future disputes. If you’re unsure whether your plan is complete, we can help ensure every detail is properly addressed and legally sound.
Why Choose Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes?
Our firm offers decades of focused experience in Massachusetts estate planning and elder law. We’ve earned a strong reputation for trusted guidance, responsive service, and lasting relationships with the families we serve.
What sets our firm apart:
- Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) on staff
- Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
- Decades of experience in Massachusetts estate planning and elder law
- Comprehensive plan reviews that address tax, incapacity, and asset protection concerns
- Transparent communication and individualized strategies
- Strong client reviews for clarity, responsiveness, and trusted counsel
We take the time to understand your values and ensure every part of your plan aligns with your wishes.
What Should a Complete Estate Plan Include?
A well-structured estate plan protects your family and ensures that your assets are managed according to your intentions. Each document serves a unique purpose:
- Last Will and Testament: Outlines how your property should be distributed and who will act as guardian for any minor children.
- Trusts: Can help you avoid probate, manage assets for minors or beneficiaries with special needs, and minimize taxes.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so.
- Health Care Proxy and Living Will: Allows you to choose who can make medical decisions for you and provides guidance on your treatment preferences.
- HIPAA Authorization: Ensures your health care agent can access your medical information when needed.
- Beneficiary Designations: Keep life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts up-to-date to avoid unintended transfers.
Each of these components works together to create a plan that safeguards your legacy and minimizes legal complications for your loved ones.
Why Incomplete Estate Plans Cause Problems
Many people assume that having a will is enough, but an incomplete or outdated plan can create serious issues. Common problems include:
- Outdated information: Life changes such as marriage, divorce, or new grandchildren can make your documents obsolete.
- Unfunded trusts: A trust that isn’t properly funded will not protect assets from probate.
- Missing incapacity planning: Without a power of attorney or health care proxy, courts may have to appoint someone to make decisions for you.
- Ambiguous instructions: Vague or incomplete language can lead to confusion and family disputes.
- Higher estate taxes and administrative costs: Without proper tax planning, your estate may lose a significant portion of its value to taxes and probate fees.
- Uncertainty for minor children and dependents: If guardianship is not clearly designated, the court will decide who cares for your children or dependents.
Reviewing your estate plan regularly ensures that it continues to reflect your current circumstances and priorities.
How Attorney Guidance Makes the Difference
Online templates and generic forms can create false confidence. Estate planning requires a clear understanding of Massachusetts laws, family dynamics, and tax implications. Our attorneys will:
- Review your current plan for missing or conflicting provisions
- Coordinate your estate plan with your financial and retirement goals
- Recommend updates that reflect major life events or changes in state law
- Help ensure all documents meet Massachusetts legal requirements
- Offer trust-funding services to properly transfer assets and avoid probate
Working with an attorney gives you confidence that your plan will hold up in court, protect your family, and accomplish your intended goals.
Ready to Complete Your Southeastern Massachusetts Estate Plan?
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., we help you move from uncertainty to security with a fully developed estate plan. Whether you need to create a new plan or update an existing one, our team will review every detail with care and precision.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your estate plan is complete, current, and ready to protect those you care about most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I review my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a birth, or the purchase of new property.
Can I add a trust to my existing estate plan?
Yes. A trust can often be added to strengthen your plan, provide privacy, and reduce probate costs. We’ll help determine which type of trust best fits your goals.
What if I already have a will from another state?
Out-of-state wills may not meet Massachusetts legal standards. It’s best to have an attorney review the document to ensure it remains valid.