When a loved one passes away, managing their estate often involves going through probate. In Massachusetts, this process includes steps that ensure the proper distribution of assets, payment of debts, and finalization of legal matters. Each phase, from filing initial paperwork to distributing the estate, is designed to protect the interests of...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
National Estate Planning Week: A Timely Reminder to Secure Your Future
By Erin L. Nunes, Partner at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
National Estate Planning Week, October 21-27, 2024, offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on your personal and financial goals and ensure your legacy is protected. As...
Case Study: The Importance of Early Estate Planning
Case Study Prepared by Silvia Sales, MassHealth Case Manager
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Client Background:
A husband and wife sought legal advice due to the wife's need for in-home care. Neither spouse had previously considered estate...
Power of Attorney vs. Health Care Proxy: What’s the Difference?
When thinking about your future, it’s natural to want reassurance that your wishes will be respected, both financially and medically. The Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy are two ways you can make sure that the people you trust can step in and make decisions on your behalf if needed. Although...
What Is a Pour-Over-Will and When Is it Useful?
A pour-over will acts as a safety net in estate planning. It ensures that any assets not included in your trust during your lifetime are transferred into it after your passing. This tool seamlessly complements a living trust by capturing any missed assets and directing them to their intended destinations. This method...
The Young Parent’s Guide to Choosing Guardians for Minor Children
Choosing a guardian for your minor children is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. It involves carefully considering who will provide the love, care, and stability your children need if you’re no longer able to. This process can be emotionally challenging, but it’s essential to ensure your...
Funeral and Burial Planning: Should It Be Part of Your Estate Plan?
Planning for the future involves more than inheritance; it encompasses preparing for all aspects of life, including mortality. One frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of estate planning is funeral and burial planning which includes variations on that theme, such as cremation and celebrations of life. If you are in Southeastern Massachusetts, now...
Can Turning 65 Impact MassHealth Eligibility?
Determining whether you’re eligible for the significant benefits of MassHealth can be puzzling, especially as you approach age 65. In this blog, the experienced elder law attorneys at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., will clarify how reaching retirement age can affect your eligibility for MassHealth benefits in Southeastern Massachusetts. We will take a careful look...
Preventing Inheritance Disputes in Blended Families
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we know that estate planning for blended families demands special attention, not only because of the complexity of the family structure but because disputes pertaining to inheritance are more likely to occur. If you are a member of a blended family in Southeastern Massachusetts, contact our knowledgeable...
What Assets Are Exempt from Probate in Massachusetts?
When planning your estate, knowing which assets are exempt from probate is important. In Massachusetts, certain assets skip the probate process entirely, making the transfer to your beneficiaries quicker and more efficient. These exemptions can help ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.,...