Upon the death of a family member or friend, there are many details to see to in a short time. The emotions surrounding the loss make level-headed decisions difficult, and, once the funeral is over, there are many financial and legal tasks that must be dealt with. A letter of instruction can...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
AARP Article: 5 Reasons Working From Home Benefits Older Workers — and Their Employers
by Kerry Hannon
Over the next several months, every company in America with workers who spend most of their time on a computer has a decision to make: Which of their employees — the vast majority of whom will have been successfully working from home since March — should...
ElderLaw Answers: Is It Legal for My Mother to Name Her Financial Advisor as a Beneficiary in Her Will?
Q: My mother named her financial adviser and his children as beneficiaries in her will. Is it legal for her attorney to allow this?
A: It is legal, but it raises red flags. In the United States, you can do whatever you want with your money: give it to...
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Designating a Beneficiary
When you open up a 401(k) or IRA account, you will be asked to designate the beneficiaries of your account. The beneficiaries you choose will receive the assets in the account upon your death. Many people choose their spouses or children as the beneficiaries of their 401(k) or IRA accounts. Most of...
How Does the CARES Act Impact RMDs in 2020?
Federal law requires individuals to take a required minimum distribution, or RMD, from their qualified retirement plans. The policy goal behind requiring people to take a certain amount of money out of their retirement accounts is so that the IRS can tax income. For example, every time a retiree takes an RMD...
3 Tips for Estate Planning During a Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has been a wakeup call for everyone. Many residents of Southeastern Massachusetts have seen their financial security disrupted. Others have realized that they are not prepared for long-term incapacity should they contract the coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic has shown that estate planning isn’t just for older individuals or just...
Kiplinger Article: Top 10 Estate Planning Tips in a Time of Coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic has many people finally taking action to fill out advance health care directives, wills and powers of attorney. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
By Sam Nuxoll,
It has arrived: the unexpected, potentially life-threatening circumstance you had in mind when...
Washington Post Article: The Purposes of Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts
A revocable trust and an irrevocable trust serve totally different needs. By Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin
Q: I am divorced and have two grown daughters. I am placing my house in a trust. My attorney is recommending an irrevocable trust. Which do you prefer, revocable or irrevocable and why?
Article from The Berkshire Eagle: COVID Stats Don’t Measure Courage, Compassion
Written By William C. Jones
PITTSFIELD — When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the United States in March from Washington State and began its deadly rampage in Massachusetts nursing homes, our local communities naturally reacted with shock and fear at the damage wrought by this unseen and barely detectable...
Caring.Com Article: More Than Half Of U.S. Adults Don’t Have A Will, New Survey Reveals
By: Caring.Com, Contributor
Let’s face it—end-of-life planning isn’t fun. The topic can seem morose, depressing -- maybe even a little scary. But it’s also a critical aspect of managing your assets and protecting your family, which is why it’s surprising that nearly 6 out of...