A strong estate plan gives you control over your future and protects the people you care about most. Without one, the court may decide who receives your assets and who manages your affairs if something happens to you. That process can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful for loved ones. With the right...
Does a Spouse Automatically Inherit Everything in Massachusetts?
Many people assume that when a spouse passes away without a will, the surviving partner automatically inherits everything. In Massachusetts, that’s not always the case. State law determines how assets are distributed when someone dies without a will, and a spouse’s share depends on whether there are children, parents, or other relatives...
Peace of Mind: Why Healthcare Decisions Are the Ultimate Act of Self-Care
As the managing partner of Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact that proactive healthcare planning has on individuals and their families. It's more than just legal paperwork; it's about ensuring your wishes are honored, maintaining control over your medical decisions, and ultimately, finding peace of mind.
Caring For a Loved One at Home?
At Careforth, we care for family caregivers. Every day, our team of trained nurses and care coaches connect with family caregivers to answer questions, provide guidance, and help make caregiving easier.
We have spent more than twenty years helping family caregivers confidently care for their loved ones at home. Through Careforth’s Adult Foster...
Strategic Wealth Transfer: Minimizing Estate Tax Liability
Effective wealth transfer planning is crucial for preserving assets and ensuring they pass to intended heirs with minimal tax erosion. Strategies designed to mitigate estate taxes are essential components of...
Don’t Forget About Fido: Estate Planning Strategies for Pets
Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love. They rely on us for food, shelter, and care, but many people don’t think about what would happen to their pets if they could no longer provide for them. Without a plan, a beloved pet could end up in a shelter or with someone unprepared...
Estate Planning in a Shifting Political Landscape: Why NOW is the Time to Act
The current political climate is marked by uncertainty, and this extends to the realm of estate planning. Shifting policies, potential tax law changes, and evolving social dynamics all underscore...
What Happens if Your Estate Planning Documents Are Lost or Destroyed?
Estate planning documents protect your wishes and help your loved ones avoid confusion after you’re gone. But what happens if these important papers go missing or are destroyed? A lost will, damaged trust, or misplaced power of attorney can lead to delays, legal hurdles, and unnecessary stress. Whether the documents were misplaced,...

New Details of the Social Security Fairness Act
In January, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law. This new law allows retired public servants such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who have paid into Social Security for years to collect on those benefits blocked previously by legislation that has now been...

Keeping Your Wishes Current: Why Regular Updates and Essential Documents Matter
Life is rarely static. Relationships evolve, families grow, and circumstances change. An estate plan, designed to ensure your wishes are carried out after you're gone, should reflect these changes. Here's why regularly updating beneficiaries and reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years is crucial: