According to Forbes Magazine, it is estimated that there are 12 million adults over age of 65 and are living alone, or 27% of the overall population. That is a staggering number. Of that population, most are women. Ironically, although they are now alone, most were at one time or another, caretakers to...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Tax Preparations for Seniors
Few things in life cause more dread than tax time. It’s a lot of work to gather all the paperwork and financials that you will need. There’s also the fear of getting audited or forgetting to include something that could have resulted in a bigger refund. This is why so many people...
5 Reasons You Need an Estate Plan
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys have assisted clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod in successfully planning their estates for well over a decade. In times of trouble, like the COVID epidemic, people are more inclined to be concerned about preparing for the unknown, but, ironically, because...
Signs Your Elderly Loved One Is Going Through Financial Abuse
Financial abuse of the elderly is a growing problem in Massachusetts and throughout the country. Tragically, elder financial abuse often goes unreported, either because the victims are unaware they are being scammed, ashamed of having been taken advantage of, or fear retaliation. The best way to protect them is to contact Surprenant...
World Economic Forum Article: The secret of the ‘super-agers’: why some people remain sharp in their later years
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital are hot on the trail of elderly “super-agers” - whose sharp memories avoid typical age-related declines - in an attempt to study whether there are interventions that can improve prospects for the rest of us. Assistant Professor of Neurology
Why Do I Need a Letter of Intent as Part of My Estate Plan?
A letter of intent is a personal document that complements the legal pieces of your estate plan. While it’s not legally binding, it can be one of the most meaningful parts of your planning. This letter gives you a chance to speak in your own voice, share personal wishes, and provide thoughtful...
Common Mistakes Made by Personal Representatives
If you have been named a personal representative (executor) by a family member or friend, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibility and unclear about the tasks at hand. This is a good time to seek the services of an accomplished estate planning attorney who will be able to clarify your duties...
Trust Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Creating a trust can be an important component of estate planning, serving a number of useful purposes, including:
Helping to avoid probateLessening tax burdensProtecting your loved ones (especially those with special needs)Protecting your assetsGuarding your privacy.Trust mistakes can become serious problems. This is why it’s...
Welcome to #FeelGoodFebruary and Hygge
Have you ever watched the snow come down as you sit snuggled up in a blanket with a cup of cocoa in one hand, your book in the other and your beloved pet at your feet? Remember what that felt like? Well, that feeling is called Hygge. The Danish word that encompasses...
How can I protect my elderly relatives from being victimized by scam artists?
Most of us are aware of the profusion of scam artists who make continual attempts to steal from others by mail, by phone, and through the internet. We are also aware that the elderly, as the most vulnerable population, are perpetually targeted. Even so, it is extremely disturbing to find that...