As our parents age, many of us find ourselves transitioning into a caregiving role. This can be a challenging, yet deeply rewarding, journey. In Massachusetts, a wealth of resources and support systems are available to help adult children provide the best possible...
A family vacation home can be a source of lasting memories, but also potential friction. When multiple people inherit or co-own a cherished getaway, good intentions alone aren’t always enough to prevent problems. Scheduling conflicts, differing financial contributions, or a co-owner’s desire to sell can create real tension. Fortunately, there are legal...
Across Massachusetts, more families are choosing to live together under one roof. Whether it’s adult children moving in with aging parents, grandparents helping raise grandchildren, or multiple generations pooling resources, these arrangements can offer both emotional and financial support. However, they also raise new questions about property rights, caregiving responsibilities, and long-term...
Selling a home is a significant financial event, especially when you’re receiving Medicaid benefits. One question we often hear is whether selling a house could affect Medicaid eligibility. In Massachusetts, MassHealth has strict rules around income and assets, and selling your home can put those benefits at risk if not handled properly....
Many parents want to help their children when it matters most, not just after they’re gone. Whether it’s helping with a first home, college tuition, or starting a business, the idea of passing on part of an inheritance early can be appealing. But before you start writing checks, it’s important to understand...
Families facing substance use disorders know how complicated the situation can be. You want to protect your loved one, provide for them, and support their recovery, but without putting them or their inheritance at risk. A traditional estate plan may not provide the necessary safeguards. With thoughtful planning, it’s possible to leave...
Disinheriting someone from your estate is a serious decision, and one that must be clearly documented and carefully executed. In Massachusetts, adults can legally disinherit family members, including adult children, siblings, or parents. However, you cannot entirely disinherit a spouse unless specific planning steps are taken.
Spouses are protected...
A Revocable Living Trust (RLT) is a powerful estate planning tool, offering benefits like avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and providing for seamless asset management in case of incapacity. However, the true power of an RLT lies not just in its creation,...
Hi Millennials! I’m Rebecca S. Spinner, an estate planning attorney with Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C. and a fellow Millennial living and working right here in Massachusetts. I work with people of all ages every day, and I've noticed a common misconception repeated...
Making a will might seem like a daunting task, but we promise it's more straightforward than you think. The first step is often the hardest—deciding to get started. The second step is simply gathering some information.
To help you feel prepared and confident for your initial consultation, we've put...
