As we age, many of us worry about what could happen if memory or decision-making abilities start to decline. Conditions like Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia often come on gradually, making it hard to know when or how to shift important responsibilities to someone else. That’s why building time-triggered or condition-triggered...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Massachusetts’ Elder Care Options for Solo Agers
Solo agers—those without a spouse, partner, or adult children—face a different set of questions when it comes to growing older. Who will make decisions if you can’t? Where will you turn for care? The good news is that in Massachusetts, you don’t have to do it all alone. There are smart programs,...
When Siblings Disagree on Parent Care: Legal Pathways to Resolution
Caring for an aging parent is never easy, and it can be even more challenging when adult children don’t see eye to eye. One sibling may want Mom to stay at home with hired help, while another believes a move to assisted living is best. Emotions often run high, especially when the...
Looking for a Fourth of July fireworks show near you?
Check out our list of fireworks displays, organized by town, date, time, and rain date. If you don’t see your local event listed, visit Mass.gov or your city or town’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Reminder: Leave fireworks to the professionals. Personal use of fireworks...
Things to Consider When Making Designations in Your Estate Plan
When you create an estate plan, you’re doing more than just passing on your belongings. You’re also deciding who should manage your affairs, take care of loved ones, and carry out your wishes. These designations deserve careful thought. The right people and the right instructions can help prevent confusion, conflict, and delays...
PBS Documentary Examines Caregiving and Our National Healthcare Crisis
Caring for Caregivers: Why the PBS "Caregiving" Documentary Resonates Deeply with Our Firm.
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., we witness firsthand the incredible dedication and profound impact of caregivers every single day. That's why we believe the PBS documentary "Caregiving," executive produced by Bradley Cooper and narrated by...
How to Appeal MassHealth Decisions
When MassHealth denies your application for benefits, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But a denial isn’t the end of the road. You have the right to appeal—and in many cases, a second look can lead to approval. We’ve helped many individuals and families through this process, and we know that a clear,...
Should I Put Money in a Trust For My Children?
When you're thinking about your children's future, the idea of leaving them money probably comes with a mix of love and concern. You want to provide for them, but you also want to make sure that what you leave behind is handled wisely. That’s where a trust can be a helpful tool....
Tips For Managing Sandwich Generation Stress
Balancing the needs of aging parents while raising children of your own can feel like a juggling act with no breaks. This is the reality for many in the “sandwich generation.” You may find yourself arranging doctor appointments for your parents in the morning and attending your child’s school event later that...
Reasons Why MassHealth Benefits Could Be Revoked
MassHealth plays a vital role in providing health coverage to many Massachusetts residents, especially older adults and those with disabilities. But qualifying once doesn’t mean you’re set for life. MassHealth has strict rules, and if those rules are broken—even unintentionally—your benefits could be revoked. We sometimes hear from people who were caught...