For most of us, our home is our most significant asset and we want to be able to pass it on to our children. Not everyone is aware, however, that there are several ways to do this. In order to understand which method is best for you, consult with a knowledgeable estate...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Where Do I Start with Estate Planning?
Written by Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Partner
I get it! No one wants to talk about Estate Planning. That’s the #1 reason why it doesn’t get done. The 2nd reason estate planning doesn’t happen is because no one knows where to start. Let me tell you that it actually...
Reasons People Contest Trust Agreements
Most of us have heard of wills being contested, but many people are not aware that trusts can also be contested, often for similar reasons. A trust is a legal document and, as such, can only be contested in a lawsuit in state probate court by a person with legal standing to...
A Look Into Different Types of Guardianships
Guardianship is a legal arrangement that allows one person to make decisions on behalf of another. In Massachusetts, a guardian may be appointed for two main reasons:
An adult becomes incapacitated and cannot manage their personal or medical decisions. A minor has...
How to plan your estate as a Solo Ager
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...
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...