Many people begin collecting coins, stamps or other tangible property just because it’s fun to own and display. For some, though, collectibles are a form of long-term investment. If you already have a sizable, valuable collection in your possession, you should have it valued and then protect it as part of your...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Are my special needs child’s benefits at risk?
It is often a long, drawn-out process to get your adult special needs child to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), MassHealth (Medicaid) benefits, food stamps, and housing subsidies she or he deserves. You should be aware that, unless you have a reputable special needs attorney establish a legally binding special needs...
How Can I Take the Reins to Help My Aging Parent?
When a parent’s health or decision-making abilities begin to decline, adult children often need to step in sooner than they expected. Taking the reins usually means gaining legal authority, managing finances or property, and making decisions that affect the entire family. Acting early gives you more control, limits the likelihood of court...
Let’s Talk About Estate Planning 4 Reasons to get Started Today
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...
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?
When families provide care for aging parents or relatives, it’s common for one child or family member to take on most of the responsibility. Sometimes this care is provided out of love, without expectation of payment. But in many cases, entering into a caregiver contract, also known as a personal care agreement,...
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...