An Aging Service Access Point (ASAP) is a private non-profit agency with a governing board that serves and represents senior citizens. There are about twenty-five ASAPs statewide. ASAPs are a starting point for seniors looking for services or understanding the benefits available to them in the Commonwealth. ASAPs also provide information and...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
When Calling an Estate Planning Attorney Becomes Urgent
We’re all aware that it is better to begin projects during a period of calm rather than turmoil when decisions can be made thoughtfully and without pressure. Nonetheless, there are times when all of us find ourselves in dire need of a skilled professional; whether it's a doctor, a plumber, or even...
The 3 Easiest Ways to Avoid Probate in Massachusetts
By Attorney Rebecca S. Spinner
When someone dies in Massachusetts, anything that person owned individually will need to be probated. Probate is the court process by which the deceased person’s assets are transferred to the individuals who will inherit them. Probate takes at least a year and can...
Common Estate Planning Questions
Exactly what is my “estate”?
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Many people associate the word “estate” with a large house or mansion (one of the word’s other meanings) but in terms of estate planning “estate” means the assets left by a person at death. These assets may include:
May is National Elder Law Month!
May is a big month for seniors! Back in 1963, President John F. Kennedy declared May to be Senior Citizens Month for anyone over 65 years old. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter kept the sentiment but changed the name to Older Americans Month.
Naturally, the National Academy for Elder...
Estate Planning for Singles
Just as many people erroneously believe that estate planning is only for the elderly or the very wealthy, many fail to recognize that estate planning for singles is different than estate planning for couples. Since, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of the nation’s population is unmarried, this misconception...
Forbes Article: The Unique Estate Planning Needs Of The Unmarried
Estate planning discussions often give the impression that every senior in America is married with two or more kids. That’s not true, of course, and those who do not fit the profile need estate planning guidance at least as much as the stereotypical couple does.
Unmarried people should put a...
How Will a Large Inheritance or Windfall Affect my Estate Plan?
It seems like a nice problem to have — how should I handle all that extra money? Even so, a large inheritance or another type of windfall can make for some serious and complicated decision-making. Having a knowledgeable estate planning attorney to guide you can be invaluable.
Depending on...
Planning for the Incapacity of Progressive Diseases
If you or a close relative has been diagnosed with a disease that will interfere with your ability to be independent physically and/or mentally, you are at a serious crossroads. You can proceed blindly, pretending the inevitable will not happen, or you can take control and plan for incapacity.
Boston.com Article: America’s homeless ranks graying as more retire on streets
"All of a sudden things went downhill."
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By ANITA SNOW, Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) — Karla Finocchio’s slide into homelessness began when she split with her partner of 18 years and temporarily moved in with a cousin.
The 55-year-old planned to use her...