Many parents want to help their children when it matters most, not just after they’re gone. Whether it’s helping with a first home, college tuition, or starting a business, the idea of passing on part of an inheritance early can be appealing. But before you start writing checks, it’s important to understand...
Author: omnizant.support
Substance Use Disorders and Inheritance Planning
Families facing substance use disorders know how complicated the situation can be. You want to protect your loved one, provide for them, and support their recovery, but without putting them or their inheritance at risk. A traditional estate plan may not provide the necessary safeguards. With thoughtful planning, it’s possible to leave...
Disinheriting Family Members: Legal Requirements and Alternatives
Disinheriting someone from your estate is a serious decision, and one that must be clearly documented and carefully executed. In Massachusetts, adults can legally disinherit family members, including adult children, siblings, or parents. However, you cannot entirely disinherit a spouse unless specific planning steps are taken.
Spouses are protected...
Should You Include Your Estranged Adult Children in Your Estate Plan?
Every estate plan tells a story of values, priorities, and relationships. When it comes to children you’ve become distant from, deciding what role they should play in your legacy can be one of the most difficult parts of planning. Some parents lean toward inclusion to preserve family ties, while others feel a...
Adult Day Health Programs in Southeastern Massachusetts
Are you caring for an aging parent or loved one who needs support during the day? Adult day health programs offer a structured, safe environment where adults with medical needs or cognitive impairments can receive care, engage socially, and access important services while giving family caregivers peace of mind and time to...
Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes Responds to PBS “Caregiving” Documentary with Renewed Focus on Legal Support for Families
Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes Highlights How Proactive Legal Guidance Can Ease the Burden on Caregivers and Loved Ones
New Bedford, Massachusetts – The new PBS documentary Caregiving, executive produced by Bradley Cooper and narrated by Uzo Aduba, has struck a powerful chord across the country, but especially with the team at Surprenant,...
Planning for Progressive Cognitive Decline With Time-Triggered Legal Documents
As we age, many of us worry about what could happen if memory or decision-making abilities start to decline. Conditions like Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia often come on gradually, making it hard to know when or how to shift important responsibilities to someone else. That’s why building time-triggered or condition-triggered...
Massachusetts’ Elder Care Options for Solo Agers
Solo agers—those without a spouse, partner, or adult children—face a different set of questions when it comes to growing older. Who will make decisions if you can’t? Where will you turn for care? The good news is that in Massachusetts, you don’t have to do it all alone. There are smart programs,...
When Siblings Disagree on Parent Care: Legal Pathways to Resolution
Caring for an aging parent is never easy, and it can be even more challenging when adult children don’t see eye to eye. One sibling may want Mom to stay at home with hired help, while another believes a move to assisted living is best. Emotions often run high, especially when the...
Things to Consider When Making Designations in Your Estate Plan
When you create an estate plan, you’re doing more than just passing on your belongings. You’re also deciding who should manage your affairs, take care of loved ones, and carry out your wishes. These designations deserve careful thought. The right people and the right instructions can help prevent confusion, conflict, and delays...