More people than you might think put off estate planning until they are getting ready to retire or have already retired. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons that we will discuss, but basically an estate “plan” is a road map to the future so it makes sense to...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Why Estate Plans Are Not One-and-Done
Having put a well-crafted estate plan in place, many people feel that they are now finished with the task. But not following up with a regular review of your estate plan is comparable to not visiting the dentist for years after having your teeth cleaned — likely to result in serious trouble....
Questions to Help You Choose the Right Estate Planning Attorney
Now that you’ve gotten down to the task of estate planning, you want to find the most qualified estate planning attorney for the job, but also someone who is caring and supportive, someone with whom you are compatible, someone you can trust. After all, you will be sharing some private details about...
“Irrevocable” Doesn’t Always Mean “Unchangeable”
For starters, a revocable trust is a changeable, amendable, revocable document. The opposite is not true: It is not true that all irrevocable trusts cannot be changed. This article seeks to briefly explore some examples of the types of irrevocable trusts that can be altered, in what way, and why drafting for...
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Social Security Benefits
Written By Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Esq., Partner
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Q: Mary asks, “My husband passed away last month. How do I handle notifying Social Security that he has passed?”
A: Social Security should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. In most...
Major Reasons to Estate Plan as an 18-year-old
Reaching the age of 18 is a milestone, considered to be the beginning of young adulthood. For those who are just turning 18, this is a time for declaring independence and taking control of your own life. What many 18-year-olds don’t realize is that one major way of taking control of your...
What to Consider When Choosing a Trustee
Choosing a trustee is one of the most important decisions you will make when creating a trust. The right trustee should be trustworthy, organized, financially responsible, and capable of carrying out your instructions in the best interests of your beneficiaries.
A trustee has legal responsibilities that can last...
Reasons Medicaid/MassHealth Applications get Denied
When you require the long-term care that Medicaid (known as MassHealth in Massachusetts) provides, it can literally be a lifesaver. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of claims for these services are denied which is especially disheartening when your health or the health of a loved one is on the line.
First Steps to Take When Handling the Estate of a Loved One
A loved one’s death, even if expected, can be overwhelming, logistically as well as emotionally, especially if you are the designated personal representative, also known as the executor. Now is the right time to consult with a well-respected probate attorney who will guide you through the process of handling the estate...
Estate Planning for Single Parents
It is estimated that approximately 25 percent of households with children under the age of 18 are headed by single parents. First and foremost, single parents are concerned about providing for their children’s futures. An important aspect of that planning is to consider an estate plan so that their children are protected...