Estate planning is a critical process that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. At Surprenant & Beneski, our estate planning attorneys are often asked whether it’s wise to leave everything to a spouse. Like estate planners everywhere, our clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, want to...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
DIY Estate Planning: What Are the Risks?
Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. It is also the surest means of securing your legacy. Like other significant steps you will take in your life, planning your estate requires the advice of those who have knowledge, expertise, and experience in this particular area....
How to Prepare for Older Out-of-Town Guests
There is no greater joy than seeing generations gathered together for the holidays. It does take some thoughtful planning and coordinating, however. If you are having your aging parents or grandparents staying with you, be sure to prep your house for someone who is more advanced in age....
Caregiver Stress During the Holidays
The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, but they can also be stressful for caregivers. If you are a caregiver, it is important to take care of yourself during this time. Here are some tips:
Let go of perfection. The holidays don't have to be perfect to...
How to Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our loved ones and all that we have. It can also be a good time to start a conversation about estate planning. Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after you die. It also includes...
UPDATE: New Massachusetts Estate Tax Exemption Could Mean Big Savings for Your Family!
By: Attorney Daniel M. Surprenant, CELA, Managing Partner
Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
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Good news! We are pleased to report that on October 4, 2023, Governor Healy signed House Bill 4104 effectively increasing the Massachusetts estate tax exemption from $1...
Estate Planning – the Ultimate Gift to Give Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Message from Erin L. Nunes, Partner,
Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
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Estate planning can improve your quality of life by forcing you to confront your mortality and identify areas where you want to make changes.
Ask the Attorney: My Parents Haven’t Done Any Estate Planning. What Should They Do?
Estate planning is often a topic shrouded in hesitation and uncertainty, especially for our aging parents. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of managing assets and future wishes. However, the absence of a well-structured estate plan can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion in an already emotional time. If your...
Understanding the Pros and Cons of a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust
At Surprenant & Beneski, where we serve estate planning clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, we consider Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs) a valuable tool when it comes to long-term healthcare. Although not always right for everyone, a MAPT is often useful in preserving assets while maintaining Medicaid (MassHealth) eligibility.
Is Probate Still Required If There Is a Surviving Spouse?
“Probate” is a distressing term in some circles, but it is not as scary a process as it is sometimes made out to be. At Surprenant & Beneski, we advise clients with diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and income levels about when probate is required and when it can be avoided. In this blog,...