Have you ever wondered whether a trust or a Will is better for your estate planning needs? Many people face this dilemma when considering how to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored. Each option has its unique benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right one can significantly impact how...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Estate Planning Steps You Should Take After Having a Child
Welcoming a new child into your family is exciting and joyous! It also makes you aware of the heavy responsibility that comes with being a new parent, and should make you eager to secure your child’s future through estate planning. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our experienced attorneys understand the importance of...
Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Power of Attorney?
Power of Attorney (POA) is a major building block in estate planning, offering individuals the ability to appoint a trusted agent to manage their affairs when they are unable. It is important to work with a skilled attorney when you’re creating vital documents like POAs that must be legally binding. If you...
What to Know About Massachusetts Personal Representative Fees
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our clients often ask questions about the role of personal representatives (aka executors or PRs) in the process of estate planning. Many of our clients also want to know whether PRs must be paid for their services and, if so, whether they must be paid a specific...
Transferring Your Home to a Beneficiary Prior to Death vs. Leaving It in Your Will
Deciding how to pass your home to your beneficiary is a significant and personal decision. You can either transfer ownership while you're still alive or leave it to them in your will. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, from tax implications to maintaining control over the property....
Paying for Long-Term Care: Self-Funding vs. Insurance
As we age, the likelihood of requiring long-term care increases, making funding long-term care a critical component of estate planning. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand the importance of preparing for contingencies. In this blog, we'll explore the options for financing long-term care, focusing on self-funding versus insurance, and how our...
Navigating Solo Aging: Finding Strength and Support in a Changing Landscape
By Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Partner
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The landscape of aging is changing. Gone are the days when a spouse and children automatically formed the safety net for later life. Today, a growing number of adults...
Crisis MassHealth Planning: Options When You Need Coverage Fast
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand that life can throw unexpected challenges your way, especially when it comes to urgent health needs that require long-term nursing care. While our firm excels at preparing individuals and families for MassHealth (Medicaid) eligibility over time, we also specialize in crisis MassHealth planning, providing swift...
Estate Planning for Vacation Homes and Timeshares
Owning a vacation home or timeshare can be a dream come true, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a sanctuary for making lasting memories with loved ones. Still, ensuring that these assets are seamlessly integrated into your estate plan is essential for preserving their value and...
Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation
As loved ones age, they become increasingly vulnerable to elder abuse and financial exploitation. If you have an older relative residing in a nursing home or other living situation in Southeastern Massachusetts whose well-being is in question, this blog is for you. In it, the skilled elder law attorneys of Surprenant...