When a loved one begins to show signs of dementia, one of the first questions many families ask is: “Can they still sign legal documents?” The answer depends on the person’s mental capacity at the time the document is signed. In Massachusetts, mental capacity isn’t judged by diagnosis alone—it’s about whether your...
Author: omnizant.support
Estate Planning Is Not a Scary Proposition
The number one reason many people do not have estate plans is that they are frightened by the thought of discussing a future that includes their own mortality. They need not worry. Estate planning is anything but anxiety-producing. When handled by competent professionals like the estate planning attorneys of Surprenant & Beneski,...
What if My Primary Beneficiary Predeceases Me?
This question can be a troubling one. Although the odds are in your favor that your wishes will be able to be carried out as stated in your will and/or established in your trust(s), there is always the rare but real possibility that the person you intended to leave your worldly goods...
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting with my Estate Planning Attorney?
If you are overwhelmed by the thought of gathering the details and documents necessary for your first meeting with an estate planning attorney, take a deep breath. An experienced professional in the field will put you at ease, whether you’ve done any previous homework or not. It’s a good idea, however, to...
AARP Article: 8 Things You Didn’t Know Social Security Could Do for You
The array of surprising and useful services goes beyond monthly checks
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For many people, Social Security's function begins and ends with a monthly payment. And to be sure, ensuring benefits get delivered on time and in full to tens of millions of older adults, people with disabilities and members...
Why Estate Planning is Important
Daniel M. Surprenant, Managing Partner, CELA
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Essentially, estate planning is the process of determining, through legal guidance and documents, who will receive your hard-earned assets. Estate planning is very important because it also determines how your life savings, home and personal items will be spent or saved during...
A Trust for a Child with a Disability
Margaret and Sam have always taken care of their daughter, Elizabeth. She is 45, has never worked, and has never left home. She is developmentally disabled and receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income). They have always worried about who would take care of her after they die. Some years ago, Sam was diagnosed...
What to Organize
The following is a list of important documents that you should have organized and kept together in a safe place. These documents are important to have not only for estate planning but also in times where you may need them such as incapacitation or death, moving, or even in catastrophic events such...
AgingCare Article: How to Convince Your Parent to Move to Assisted Living
Conventional wisdom says that we all want to stay in our own homes for as long as we can. That is likely how most of our elders feel, but it’s not always in their best interest to do so. How do we talk with them about the realities and dangers of staying...
2Sisters Article: What Are the Benefits of Memory Care?
Written By: Michelle Woodbrey, Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® Chief Executive Officer, 2Sisters Senior Living Advisors
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You’ve thought about it, talked about it, and very likely worried about it: will your loved one need to move into a memory care community? This is a difficult...