Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our loved ones and all that we have. It can also be a good time to start a conversation about estate planning. Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after you die. It also includes...
Funeral and Burial Planning: Should It Be Part of Your Estate Plan?
Planning for the future involves more than inheritance; it encompasses preparing for all aspects of life, including mortality. One frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of estate planning is funeral and burial planning which includes variations on that theme, such as cremation and celebrations of life. If you are in Southeastern Massachusetts, now...
Making Your Home Safe for Aging in Place
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our elder law attorneys are deeply committed to protecting the seniors of Southeastern Massachusetts from physical, emotional, and financial harm. This blog contains a number of strategies and tips to make home a safer place for all of us as we age.
As...
Legal and Healthcare Considerations for Solo Aging in Massachusetts
Solo aging is a prominent trope among the growing demographic of older adults who are living independently, without a spouse or children to rely on for care. This presents unique legal and healthcare challenges, many of which can be addressed by elder care estate planning. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our
Help With Parents with Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Dealing with a parent with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia is a tremendous challenge — not only physically and emotionally, but financially and legally as well. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning/elder care attorneys have an in-depth understanding of what care for such patients involves and...
The Dangers of Having No Will or Trust in Place and Losing Capacity Before Death
Considering the undeniable fact of our mortality, it is surprising how many people delay or overlook the importance of estate planning, including the drafting of wills and trusts. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we know that the risks of dying without a will (intestate) or without a trust, compounded by...
Guest Blog: The Crucial Role of Mobility in Aging Gracefully at Home
As the golden years unfold, maintaining independence and a high quality of life becomes paramount for older adults. We all know that a financial plan is important after retirement, but we rarely consider a health plan. One of the key factors...
Understanding Competency in Massachusetts Estate Planning
Because estate planning decisions and documents are weighty and often life-altering, the competence of those making these decisions and signing these documents is central to the process. In other words, the law requires that the person signing a will, trust, durable power of attorney, or other estate planning document has the...
Can I Plan for Nursing Home Expenses in My Estate Plan?
As estate planning attorneys in Massachusetts, we understand that planning for the future involves addressing some challenging questions. One such question is how to manage the potentially high costs of nursing home care. It's a concern for many as they age, and rightfully so. In this blog, we'll delve into effective...
How to Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our loved ones and all that we have. It can also be a good time to start a conversation about estate planning. Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after you die. It also includes...