Estate planning needs often arise around pivotal life moments. Marriage, the birth of a child, divorce and death of a loved one tend to bring about a need for making new plans or updating a plan that was previously in...
Within the larger subject of estate planning is the concept of elder law. Essentially, elder law is estate planning that deals with issues more common amongst the senior population. Because they regularly address these issues, elder law attorneys are not...
While it’s true that since 2015, when same-sex marriage became legal throughout the country, life became increasingly manageable for more than a million couples and families in the United States. Nonetheless, there are still complexities relative to LGBTQ estate planning that require the services of a skilled estate planning attorney. At Surprenant...
Learning about power of attorney, trusts, wills and health directives does not need to be overwhelming. The legal staff of Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. emphasize the importance and value of early estate planning. They are committed to educating you and facilitating the process so informed decisions are made for you and your...
Grief after a death in the family is unavoidable. Squabbling and bitterness are not. Working with a skilled and compassionate estate planning attorney can help you leave your family connected and supportive of one another when you die — arguably the most important legacy of all.
Why Family...
We’re all aware that it is better to begin projects during a period of calm rather than turmoil when decisions can be made thoughtfully and without pressure. Nonetheless, there are times when all of us find ourselves in dire need of a skilled professional; whether it's a doctor, a plumber, or even...
Many people associate the word “estate” with a large house or mansion (one of the word’s other meanings) but in terms of estate planning “estate” means the assets left by a person at death. These assets may include:
Real estateSecuritiesBusinesses or...
May is a big month for seniors! Back in 1963, President John F. Kennedy declared May to be Senior Citizens Month for anyone over 65 years old. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter kept the sentiment but changed the name to Older Americans Month.
Naturally, the National Academy for Elder...
Just as many people erroneously believe that estate planning is only for the elderly or the very wealthy, many fail to recognize that estate planning for singles is different than estate planning for couples. Since, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of the nation’s population is unmarried, this misconception...
Estate planning discussions often give the impression that every senior in America is married with two or more kids. That’s not true, of course, and those who do not fit the profile need estate planning guidance at least as much as the stereotypical couple does.
Unmarried people should put a...
