Losing a loved one comes with many challenges, and probate court hearings are often part of the process. These hearings give the court a chance to oversee the estate, confirm the personal representative or administrator, and ensure debts and assets are handled properly. While some cases move smoothly, others involve legal disputes...
Author: omnizant.support
How to Know if You Have a Strong Estate Plan
A strong estate plan gives you control over your future and protects the people you care about most. Without one, the court may decide who receives your assets and who manages your affairs if something happens to you. That process can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful for loved ones. With the right...
Does a Spouse Automatically Inherit Everything in Massachusetts?
Many people assume that when a spouse passes away without a will, the surviving partner automatically inherits everything. In Massachusetts, that’s not always the case. State law determines how assets are distributed when someone dies without a will, and a spouse’s share depends on whether there are children, parents, or other relatives...
Does Social Security Count as Income for MassHealth?
For many Massachusetts residents, Social Security benefits provide a vital source of income. At the same time, MassHealth offers healthcare coverage to those who meet certain financial requirements. The way MassHealth counts Social Security income can affect eligibility, sometimes pushing individuals over the limit for coverage. While some benefits are included in...
Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. Announces Leadership Transition and New Firm Name
Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. Transitions to Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes with Partner Erin Nunes Joining Firm Ownership
New Bedford, Massachusetts (Law Firm Newswire) – Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. is proud to announce a significant milestone in the firm’s history as it welcomes Partner Erin L. Nunes into firm ownership....
Don’t Forget About Fido: Estate Planning Strategies for Pets
Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love. They rely on us for food, shelter, and care, but many people don’t think about what would happen to their pets if they could no longer provide for them. Without a plan, a beloved pet could end up in a shelter or with someone unprepared...
MassHealth’s PACE Program: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Finding the right care for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming. Many seniors want to live at home but need ongoing medical support and help with daily tasks. MassHealth’s PACE program provides a way to receive coordinated care without moving to a nursing facility. It brings together medical treatment, rehabilitation, home...
Estate Planning in a Shifting Political Landscape: Why NOW is the Time to Act
By Erin L. Nunes, Esq., Partner
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The current political climate is marked by uncertainty, and this extends to the realm of estate planning. Shifting policies, potential tax law changes, and evolving social dynamics all underscore...
Special Medicaid Planning Considerations for Married Couples
Planning for long-term care brings up difficult questions, especially for married couples. If one spouse needs nursing home care, the other may worry about financial stability. Medicaid (known as MassHealth in Massachusetts) helps cover long-term care costs, but its rules can feel overwhelming. Without proper planning, you may have to spend down...
What Happens if Your Estate Planning Documents Are Lost or Destroyed?
Estate planning documents protect your wishes and help your loved ones avoid confusion after you’re gone. But what happens if these important papers go missing or are destroyed? A lost will, damaged trust, or misplaced power of attorney can lead to delays, legal hurdles, and unnecessary stress. Whether the documents were misplaced,...