February 10, 1990
Dear Michelle, Michael and Daniel:
You are receiving a photocopy of the original letter because I don’t have time to write original letters to each of you. Enclosed is a...
It’s a horrible situation faced by so many families. A loved one, husband, wife, mom or dad, is slowing down and can’t live at home any longer. The doctor says mom needs nursing home care. What do you do? Your neighbor tells you that nursing homes cost $12,000 per month and that...
Learning about power of attorney, trusts, wills and health directives does not need to be overwhelming. The legal staff of Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. emphasize the importance and value of early estate planning. They are committed to educating you and facilitating the process so informed decisions are made for you and your...
Family loss can bring both grief and unexpected tension. While emotions often run high after a death, many inheritance conflicts can be prevented with thoughtful estate planning and open communication. By creating a clear, updated estate plan that reflects your wishes and family dynamics, you can help your loved ones avoid disputes...
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...
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...
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...
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:
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...
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...
