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...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
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,...
Can You Amend a Deceased Spouse’s Irrevocable Trust?
The loss of a spouse brings many challenges, and dealing with their estate can add to the stress. If they created an irrevocable trust, you may have questions about whether its terms can be changed. These trusts are meant to be permanent, but that doesn’t always mean they are set in stone....
Tips for Planning for Aging Parents and Minor Children
Caring for both aging parents and young children brings unique responsibilities. You may be helping your parents with medical decisions and finances while ensuring your children’s future is secure. Without a clear plan, unexpected situations can leave your family vulnerable. Taking proactive steps now can provide stability and peace of mind for...
Understanding MassHealth’s Treatment of Annuities
Paying for long-term care is a challenge many families face. MassHealth can help cover these costs, but eligibility rules can be complicated. Annuities are sometimes used as part of Medicaid planning, offering a way to manage assets while securing care. However, not all annuities are treated the same under MassHealth rules. Some...
Support Options for Caregivers in Massachusetts
Caring for an aging family member can be both fulfilling and exhausting. Some days bring moments of joy and connection, while others feel overwhelming. Balancing work, personal responsibilities, and caregiving takes energy and patience, and it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. You may worry about providing the right level of care...
New Details of the Social Security Fairness Act
By Attorney Wendy Weston
Continue reading…
In January, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law. This new law allows retired public servants such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who have paid into Social Security for years to collect on those benefits blocked previously by legislation that has now been...
Understanding Medicare and Medicaid: Key Differences for Seniors
Healthcare costs can be a significant concern as we age, especially when it comes to doctor visits, hospital stays, and long-term care. Many seniors rely on government programs to help cover these expenses, but not all programs work the same way. Understanding what’s available can make a big difference in planning for...
Keeping Your Wishes Current: Why Regular Updates and Essential Documents Matter
By Attorney Wendy Weston
Continue reading…
Life is rarely static. Relationships evolve, families grow, and circumstances change. An estate plan, designed to ensure your wishes are carried out after you're gone, should reflect these changes. Here's why regularly updating beneficiaries and reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years is crucial:
Unlock Your Peace of Mind: Maximize Your Estate Planning Consultation with Our Preparation Worksheet
Estate planning. It's a task that often lingers on our to-do lists, pushed aside for "more urgent" matters. But the truth is, few things are more important than ensuring your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand the hesitation, and we're here to...