MassHealth plays a vital role in providing health coverage to many Massachusetts residents, especially older adults and those with disabilities. But qualifying once doesn’t mean you’re set for life. MassHealth has strict rules, and if those rules are broken—even unintentionally—your benefits could be revoked. We sometimes hear from people who were caught...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Responsibilities of an Estate Administration
When a loved one passes away, there’s often more to handle than grief alone. Someone must step forward to manage the estate—distributing property, paying debts, and making sure the person’s wishes are honored. This process is known as estate administration. In Massachusetts, it can involve several steps, including probate. If you’ve been...
Off to College? Don’t Forget About the Essentials!
This exciting time of year brings prom, graduation, and prepping for college. But before your 18-year-old heads off, there's something crucial to consider: their estate plan.
Why Estate Planning for Young Adults?
You might think, "Why does my financially dependent teen need an estate plan?" Here's...
How to Survive Taking Care of Elderly Parents
Caring for aging parents is one of the most meaningful and difficult roles many of us take on. It often arrives suddenly, without much time to prepare, and brings a mix of emotions, responsibilities, and stress. If you’re in the middle of this journey, or just beginning it, know that you’re not...
Your 2025 Action Plan for Peace of Mind: A Step-by-Step Guide
As an attorney specializing in estate planning and elder law, I'm here to help you navigate the important steps to protect yourself and your loved ones in 2025. Think of this as...
Best Ways to Leave an Inheritance for Your Children
Planning how to leave an inheritance for your children isn’t just about passing on money. It’s about making sure your hard-earned assets are protected, passed on efficiently, and used in a way that supports your children’s long-term well-being. Whether your goals include reducing taxes, avoiding court, or guiding your children toward responsible...
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Attorney?
There’s no perfect time to start planning for the future—but there are key moments when legal guidance can make things smoother, safer, and less stressful. Whether you're thinking about your own care or looking out for a loved one, working with an elder law attorney early on can help you stay...
When to Talk to Your Parents About Long-Term Care
Bringing up long-term care with your parents isn’t easy. It can feel awkward, emotional, and sometimes even unnecessary—especially if your parents are still relatively independent. But waiting until something happens can leave you scrambling. When we plan ahead, we’re more likely to honor our parents’ wishes and reduce stress during already difficult...
Strategies for Avoiding Estate Taxes
Planning for the future means thinking about what you’ll leave behind—not just for your loved ones but also for the IRS. Estate taxes can take a significant portion of your assets if you don’t prepare. Fortunately, there are time-tested ways to reduce or even avoid estate taxes entirely. At Surprenant, Beneski &...
Aging Parents Won’t Make an Estate Plan? What to Do
It can be hard to watch your parents avoid conversations about their future. You may know they need an estate plan, but every time you bring it up, the topic gets brushed aside or met with silence. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many families face this challenge. The good news...