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...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
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...
How an Attorney Can Help Adults With Aging Parents and Young Children
Caring for both young children and aging parents can stretch you thin. If you’re part of this “sandwich generation,” you’re managing doctor’s appointments, school drop-offs, bills, medications—and somehow still trying to plan for the future. It’s a lot. But there are steps you can take to make things more manageable, and...
Alternatives to Wills and Trusts
When most people think about estate planning, they picture a will or a trust. But those aren’t your only options. Depending on your situation, there may be other ways to transfer your assets that are simpler, faster, and just as effective. These tools can help you avoid probate and give you more...
The Difference Between Medicare, Medicaid, and MassHealth
Healthcare coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some programs are designed for older adults, while others focus on those with limited income or specific medical needs. Medicare, Medicaid, and MassHealth each have different eligibility rules and benefits, which can make it difficult to determine where you fit in. For Massachusetts residents, MassHealth provides additional coverage...
May is National Elder Law Month!
Did you know that May has long been a month of recognition for seniors? It all started in 1963, when President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month to honor those aged 65 and older. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter carried on that legacy and renamed it Older Americans Month—a...
How to File a Will in Massachusetts
When a loved one passes away, their will must go through probate before their assets can be distributed. This legal process ensures that the will is valid and that the right person is in charge of handling the estate. Massachusetts has specific rules for filing a will, including deadlines and required paperwork....
Can You Be Paid For Caring For a Family Member in Massachusetts?
Caring for a family member can be a full-time commitment, requiring both time and emotional energy. While many people take on this role out of love, the financial burden can be significant. Paying for everyday expenses, reducing work hours, or leaving a job entirely to provide care can create serious financial strain....
How an Attorney Can Help You Apply For MassHealth Benefits
MassHealth provides vital healthcare coverage, but the application process can be complicated. Many people assume they qualify, only to face unexpected roadblocks due to income limits, asset restrictions, or missing paperwork. Others worry they’ll have to drain their savings just to meet eligibility requirements. The good news is that there are legal...