Many people assume that when a spouse passes away without a will, the surviving partner automatically inherits everything. In Massachusetts, that’s not always the case. State law determines how assets are distributed when someone dies without a will, and a spouse’s share depends on whether there are children, parents, or other relatives...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Peace of Mind: Why Healthcare Decisions Are the Ultimate Act of Self-Care
As the managing partner of Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact that proactive healthcare planning has on individuals and their families. It's more than just legal paperwork; it's about ensuring your wishes are honored, maintaining control over your medical decisions, and ultimately, finding peace of mind.
Does Social Security Count as Income for MassHealth?
For many Massachusetts residents, Social Security benefits provide a vital source of income. At the same time, MassHealth offers healthcare coverage to those who meet certain financial requirements. The way MassHealth counts Social Security income can affect eligibility, sometimes pushing individuals over the limit for coverage. While some benefits are included in...
Caring For a Loved One at Home?
At Careforth, we care for family caregivers. Every day, our team of trained nurses and care coaches connect with family caregivers to answer questions, provide guidance, and help make caregiving easier.
We have spent more than twenty years helping family caregivers confidently care for their loved ones at home. Through Careforth’s Adult Foster...
Strategic Wealth Transfer: Minimizing Estate Tax Liability
Erin L. Nunes, Esq., Partner
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Effective wealth transfer planning is crucial for preserving assets and ensuring they pass to intended heirs with minimal tax erosion. Strategies designed to mitigate estate taxes are essential components of...
Don’t Forget About Fido: Estate Planning Strategies for Pets
Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love. They rely on us for food, shelter, and care, but many people don’t think about what would happen to their pets if they could no longer provide for them. Without a plan, a beloved pet could end up in a shelter or with someone unprepared...
MassHealth’s PACE Program: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Finding the right care for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming. Many seniors want to live at home but need ongoing medical support and help with daily tasks. MassHealth’s PACE program provides a way to receive coordinated care without moving to a nursing facility. It brings together medical treatment, rehabilitation, home...
Estate Planning in a Shifting Political Landscape: Why NOW is the Time to Act
By Erin L. Nunes, Esq., Partner
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The current political climate is marked by uncertainty, and this extends to the realm of estate planning. Shifting policies, potential tax law changes, and evolving social dynamics all underscore...
Special Medicaid Planning Considerations for Married Couples
Planning for long-term care brings up difficult questions, especially for married couples. If one spouse needs nursing home care, the other may worry about financial stability. Medicaid (known as MassHealth in Massachusetts) helps cover long-term care costs, but its rules can feel overwhelming. Without proper planning, you may have to spend down...
What Happens if Your Estate Planning Documents Are Lost or Destroyed?
Estate planning documents protect your wishes and help your loved ones avoid confusion after you’re gone. But what happens if these important papers go missing or are destroyed? A lost will, damaged trust, or misplaced power of attorney can lead to delays, legal hurdles, and unnecessary stress. Whether the documents were misplaced,...