When a loved one has dementia, managing their changing behaviors can be very challenging. In the early stages, common behaviors such as repeating a story or asking the same question several times may be annoying, but they aren’t harmful. However, as the disease progresses, behaviors can become dangerous. Behavior becomes a problem...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Make Sure Your Beneficiary Designations Match Your Estate Plan
Many types of property and investments pass outside of probate and allow you to designate who will receive them after your death. It is important that these designations are kept up to date and are consistent with the rest of your estate plan.
When you open up an investment...
I don’t have a large estate. Do I need an estate plan?
An estate plan goes much further than a will. Not only does it deal with the distribution of assets and legacy wishes, but it may help you and your heirs pay substantially less in taxes, fees, and court costs. You should always consult an estate planning attorney to discuss your unique situation...
Preparing Heirs For Transfer of Inheritance
The key to a successful wealth transfer is maintaining clear communication. Estate planning attorneys can help when you wish to involve heirs in the planning stages in order to make the wealth transition easier.
Open Communication
Lack of trust or communication has squandered 60% of family fortunes, which...
Legal Documents for Students Who Are Headed to College
Parents, check one last thing off the list for your college-bound kid!
Will you be able to help your 18-year-old in an emergency? Let’s say that your son, an 18-year-old freshman at a college on the opposite end of the country, is unconscious in the hospital following an accident....
The Value of Pre-Planning
Much like estate planning, funeral pre-planning allows you to give your loved ones the gift of peace of mind. They just won’t know until the day they need it.
Many families are comforted by the knowledge that their loved ones will be spared the hardship and stress of making...
If Life is a Highway, then Estate Planning is the Road Map
Estate Planning is like a road map. And while the map may be straight forward for some, for others there may be stops along the way. One thing is for sure is that it all leads to the same destination: peace of mind!
A lot of people put off...
Three Documents that Provide Peace of Mind During a Crisis
Three primary documents that help ensure an individual’s access to their desired healthcare outcome are Power of Attorney (POA) and Advanced Directive. These written documents allow an individual to appoint external help to make legal, financial, and healthcare decisions on one’s behalf.
A Healthcare Proxy (HCP) This is a...
Six Important Facts About Advance Directives in Massachusetts
Advance directives might sound like something you only need later in life. But the truth is, they’re an important part of any adult’s planning. These documents give you control over your medical decisions, even when you’re not in a position to speak for yourself. They also take pressure off your loved ones,...
How Failing to Choose Alternatives Can Damage Your Estate Plan and Hurt Your Family
Most of the clients of Surprenant & Beneski are happy to have their estate planning behind them so they can relax, knowing their loved ones and their assets are protected. This is why they are grateful to have our estate planning team to guide them as they make vital decisions. Without that...