Serving as a trustee is a serious responsibility. When more than one person is named, the role can be easier in some ways, since the work and decision-making are shared. At the same time, disagreements between co-trustees can make administering a trust far more complicated. If you are considering naming co-trustees, or...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
How Can I Protect My Home from MassHealth (Medicaid)?
Because almost 70 percent of the population will require long-term nursing care at some point, understanding Medicaid’s role in long-term care is essential. Long-term nursing care costs much more than the average patient can afford, so most people look for ways to maintain eligibility for these government benefits without giving up...
Long-Term Partnerships Require Special Planning
Today, it is common for couples, including those with children, to live together without getting married. If you are unmarried and living with a long-term partner, you should be aware of the importance of estate planning in both of your lives. In fact, planning for the future may be even more...
Just Married: Do We Need an Estate Plan?
Marriage is not only an emotional and spiritual union; it is also a legal one. This is why newlyweds need to establish a strong foundation of legal documents to back up their recent vows. To do this, they need a capable, trustworthy estate planning attorney. If you have recently tied the...
Thinking of Naming Minor Children as Beneficiaries of Your Life Insurance Policy? Think Again.
Providing for your loved ones when you pass away is a major motivating factor in estate planning. Nonetheless, making your minor child a beneficiary of your life insurance policy is not a sensible way to do this. In this blog, we will consider the significant drawbacks of taking such an action...
Passing the Family Business Down to the Next Generation — Tips for Owners
Running a family business is not only hard work but also a big responsibility. Transferring a business to the next generation can be a daunting task. To ensure a smooth transition and the best chance for continued success, it is critical to work with a skilled estate planning attorney for whom
Key Provisions to Include in Your Estate Plan After Having Kids
When you plan your estate, you’re mapping out your future. When you have children, you are also mapping out their future until adulthood. Undertaking this task successfully requires the guidance of an experienced, capable estate planning attorney. If you live in Southeastern Massachusetts, you have easy access to the seasoned lawyers of...
Special Needs Estate Planning: Don’t Let Down the Most Vulnerable Person in Your Family
If your family has a member with special needs, not taking the time to prepare for their future with an updated estate plan can have devastating consequences. Today is the time to contact a well-respected estate planning attorney and take steps to secure the future of your most vulnerable relative,...
Do I Really Need an Estate Plan? 7 Questions to Help You Answer This One
Many of the clients who come to Surprenant & Beneski are uncertain whether they really need an estate plan and want to discuss what purposes it might serve. During our consultation with them, we often pose some of the following questions to help them understand the many reasons why having an estate...
Don’t Forget to Update Your Estate Plan After Divorce
Getting divorced is life-changing, but many people neglect legal and financial issues that must be addressed. Although there are certainly enough practical matters requiring immediate attention (e.g. relocation, childcare, etc.), too many newly divorced individuals neglect to check in with their estate planning attorneys to update essential documents for too long. The...