A trustee holds a significant position of trust and responsibility. When someone creates a trust, they rely on the trustee to carry out their wishes and safeguard the assets within the trust. This role isn’t just about managing finances; it’s about honoring the trust’s purpose and protecting the interests of the beneficiaries....
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
What to Know About Massachusetts Community MassHealth Benefits
MassHealth provides a lifeline for many families in Massachusetts, offering vital support to those who need help covering the cost of healthcare and long-term care. For individuals who want to remain at home while receiving care, Community MassHealth offers programs designed to meet those needs. These benefits ensure that older adults and...
The Crucial Step: Funding Your Trust
By Rebecca S. Spinner, Esq.
Creating a trust is a significant step in estate planning. However, simply drafting the trust document is not enough. The most critical part of the trust creation process is funding the...
Beneficiary Designations: Don’t Forget to Update When Life Changes
Life can bring unexpected changes, and with those changes come new priorities. When it comes to your financial and personal legacy, ensuring your wishes are honored is a vital part of planning for the future. Beneficiary designations are a straightforward way to ensure your assets go to the people you care about...
Why Winter is the Perfect Time for Estate Planning
By Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Esq.
The days are short, the nights are long, and many of us find ourselves spending more time indoors during the winter months. While it's tempting to hibernate and binge-watch your favorite shows, this quieter period can be surprisingly productive – especially when it...
Estate Planning Considerations for the Sandwich Generation
Balancing the responsibilities of caring for aging parents while raising children can bring unexpected challenges. Many in this position find themselves pulled in multiple directions, often struggling to manage competing demands on their time, energy, and finances. Amid the challenges, it’s easy to overlook the importance of planning for the future. Taking...
How ABLE Accounts Can Be Used in Massachusetts
An ABLE account offers individuals with disabilities a powerful way to achieve greater financial independence. These accounts allow families to save for the future without risking eligibility for government benefits. With tax-free growth and flexible use for a wide range of expenses, ABLE accounts help reduce financial stress while improving quality of...
What Is the Medicaid Five-Year Look-Back Period?
Planning for long-term care often raises questions about how to qualify for Medicaid without jeopardizing your financial security. Many people worry about how their past financial decisions, such as gifts to family members or transfers of property, might affect their eligibility. These concerns are valid, but with the right approach, you can...
Options for Trust Reformation and Modification
Irrevocable trusts are often seen as set in stone, but life doesn’t always follow the plans we make. Sometimes, circumstances change, and a trust may no longer meet the needs of its beneficiaries or align with the grantor’s original intentions. Whether it’s due to a significant life event, tax law changes, or...
Navigating MassHealth’s Spend-Down Requirements for Long-Term Care
Long-term care often comes with unexpected challenges, especially when managing costs. For many families, qualifying for MassHealth is a vital step, but the process of meeting financial eligibility can raise tough questions. How do you reduce assets without sacrificing stability? What steps can help protect your financial well-being while ensuring access to...