The prevalence of dementia in our aging population makes this question extremely relevant for a great many of us. At Surprenant & Beneski, many of our clients in Southeastern Massachusetts and on Cape Cod are dealing with the complications that arise when an elderly relative with dementia has left legal steps untaken.
How to plan your estate as a Solo Ager
According to Forbes Magazine, it is estimated that there are 12 million adults over age of 65 and are living alone, or 27% of the overall population. That is a staggering number. Of that population, most are women. Ironically, although they are now alone, most were at one time or another, caretakers to...
Signs Your Elderly Loved One Is Going Through Financial Abuse
Financial abuse of the elderly is a growing problem in Massachusetts and throughout the country. Tragically, elder financial abuse often goes unreported, either because the victims are unaware they are being scammed, ashamed of having been taken advantage of, or fear retaliation. The best way to protect them is to contact Surprenant...
How can I protect my elderly relatives from being victimized by scam artists?
Most of us are aware of the profusion of scam artists who make continual attempts to steal from others by mail, by phone, and through the internet. We are also aware that the elderly, as the most vulnerable population, are perpetually targeted. Even so, it is extremely disturbing to find that...
Your New Year’s Legal Check-up
A new year is upon us, and with it comes a host of New Year’s resolutions. A Neilson.com survey found that the top goals for the new year included: 1) staying fit and healthy, 2) losing weight, 3) enjoying life to the fullest, 4) spending less, saving more, 5) spending more time...
When a Loved One Dies
After a loved one dies, there are many issues which need to be addressed to wrap up the person’s legal and financial affairs. The following is a checklist of issues to consider:
The funeral home should take care of providing you with certified copies of the death certificate. The...
What About Medicare?
There is a great deal of confusion about Medicare and Medicaid
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Medicare is the federally funded and administered health insurance program primarily designed for individuals age 65 or older. There are limited long-term care benefits that are available under Medicare. In general, if you are enrolled in a...
Why Choose Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
By Dan Surprenant, Esq., CELA
As one of the managing partners at the firm, along with my sister, Michelle Beneski, I thought it would be helpful for me to share the reasons we are qualified in the specialty of Elder Law and what that means for prospective clients. I...
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...