Even in the closest families, conversations about money and death can be uncomfortable. “In our society certain topics are deemed private, and it is considered rude to discuss or ask about them,” says Michelle Beneski, managing partner at Surprenant & Beneski. “Within families, children are hesitant to raise the issue of estate...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Palliative Care
What is palliative care?
It is hard to live with a serious illness. You may feel lonely, angry, scared, or sad. You may feel that your treatment is doing more harm than good. You may have pain or other disturbing symptoms. Palliative care can help you and your loved...
Who’s Watching Your Mom?
Written by Lauren Langevin, Co-Owner, Home Instead Senior Care, North Dartmouth, MA
Would you leave a complete stranger alone in your home when you are not there? Of course not. Yet every day, family members allow complete strangers unsupervised access into their parents’ homes to provide in-home care services...
What is a Caregiver Contract and how can it be beneficial?
A caregiver contract is an agreement that ensures that caregivers are protected and the family members who are involved in elder care fully understand all expectations and responsibilities of the caregiver. A caregiver contract may also be referred to as a personal care agreement.
Millions of Americans are currently...
Bayada Article: What is Sundowning?
By Barbra London, MSW, LCSW, LNHA
Know the Signs, Triggers, and Tips for Managing Sundown Syndrome
Often referred to as “late-day confusion,” Sundown Syndrome typically occurs in older adults during the twilight and evening hours. The affected individual may start to exhibit increased...
The Downside of Using On-line Estate Planning Software
The following case study is on the pitfalls of using online software forestate planning. This is a recent situation that Attorney Michelle Beneski and our office had to navigate. The names of the family have been changed but it could happen to anyone.
Bob was unmarried. He had 2 children. One of his...
AARP Article: Government Impostor Scams on the Rise
5 frauds to know and tips to stay safe from the scammers
by Amy Nofziger
Continue reading…
Say what you will about Washington politics, but older Americans generally still trust many of the federal government’s agencies and operations. Unfortunately, crooks know this. The AARP Fraud Watch Network...
In the Turmoil of Divorce, Don’t Forget to Alter Your Estate Plan
Going through a divorce is difficult on a number of levels. For most people, it involves alterations in living arrangements and finances, not to mention emotional distress. As you go through the divorce process, you are undoubtedly busy and harassed, but it’s important to contact your estate planning attorney. Remember -- not...
Estate Planning and Empathy
em·pa·thy /ˈempəTHē/ noun/ The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
As we get older, we find that we become more empathetic because life has a way of humbling us to soften those sharp edges from our youth. But what does empathy have to do with elder...
Better Together Community Board
Welcome to our new community board called "Better Together." While it may not necessarily center around elder law and estate planning, it focuses on other good deeds and charitable events that are happening in our communities. If you want to submit a community event, please send it to us at