We often think about organizing physical documents, like wills, insurance policies, and financial accounts. But today, much of our lives exist online, from email accounts and banking portals to subscriptions, photos, and social media profiles. Over time, these accounts accumulate and hold...
You should involve an estate planning or probate attorney as soon as you notice tension over a will, trust, or inheritance, especially if communication is breaking down or legal duties are being questioned. Early legal guidance can prevent misunderstandings from turning into formal disputes in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.
When an estate in Massachusetts cannot pay all of its debts, the estate is considered insolvent. In that situation, the personal representative must follow a strict legal order for paying creditors, and some debts may go unpaid. Beneficiaries usually do not receive inheritances until valid claims and expenses are addressed, and in...
By Dan Surprenant, Esq., CELA, Managing Partner
Life Estate Deeds sound simple: You get to live in your house for life, and it passes directly to your children after you're gone. They avoid probate and can even protect your home from nursing home costs. Sounds perfect, right? Not so...
Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Esq. Partner
The world of law, like many other industries, is changing fast. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, you can now generate all sorts of documents with a few simple prompts. The temptation to handle your own estate plan using a DIY AI service...
Inheriting property with siblings often brings both practical and emotional questions to the surface. Decisions about whether to keep, sell, or divide the property can affect finances, taxes, and family relationships, and no single sibling can act alone. Because every major choice requires agreement or a legal process to resolve a deadlock,...
By Erin L. Nunes, Managing Partner, Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.
Every week, our office meets families who wish they had started planning sooner—or had a clearer understanding of the changes unfolding around them. Legal rules are shifting. Healthcare systems are under strain. Longterm care costs are rising. And adult children...
You can leave unequal inheritances to your children as long as your estate plan clearly reflects your intent and complies with Massachusetts law. The focus should be on making sure your wishes are legally enforceable and structured in a way that reduces the risk of disputes later. Families are rarely identical, and...
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, we have always been about helping you "get your ducks in a row". For decades, this phrase has defined our firm’s identity, representing our commitment to helping families find order and security...
Welcome to Week 3 of Feel Good February. So far, we’ve secured our team with the Guardian Duck and organized our assets with the Treasure Duck. This week, we introduce a guide that handles one of the most personal and emotional aspects of planning: The Comfort Duck.
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, we believe that estate planning...
