If you have recently inherited a 401(k) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you may be the recipient of substantial financial assets. Unfortunately, however, you may also be facing unwelcome tax complications. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our skilled estate planning attorneys are well-prepared to guide you through, refreshing your tax strategies...

Avoiding Sibling Squabbles Over Keepsakes and Heirlooms
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys know that when a loved one passes away, inherited keepsakes and heirlooms can be as important to beneficiaries as monetary inheritance. Because of the deep sentimental value of grandma’s wedding ring or grandpa’s violin, the distribution of keepsakes and heirlooms can, if...

Digital Estate Planning Checklist for Massachusetts Residents
In today's digital age, estate planning has expanded beyond physical assets to include a wide range of digital properties. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we advise our clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts to make sure to include digital assets in their estate plans because the worth of cyberspace entities can now be...

How To Avoid The Need for Guardianship
The highly capable attorneys of Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. help clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts deal with all kinds of estate planning issues from asset protection to preparation and execution of foundational documents. One important issue we assist with is how to avoid the need for guardianship should a loved one become...

Does MassHealth Cover Nursing Homes in Massachusetts?
When it comes to planning for long-term care, understanding the differences between MassHealth (Medicaid) and Medicare, as well as knowing which services are covered by each program is essential. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., a well-respected estate planning law practice serving clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, we are committed to providing you with...

What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust?
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or ILIT, is a trust specifically designed to own and be the beneficiary of one or more life insurance policies. Once an ILIT is set up and a life insurance policy is transferred into it, the trust itself becomes the owner of the policy. This means that...

What You Should Know Before Setting Up a Trust for Minor Children
When it comes to safeguarding your children's future, establishing a trust can be one of the most prudent steps you can take. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our seasoned trust attorneys specialize in assisting clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod in protecting assets and securing family legacies. Here's an informative...

Gifting Appreciated Assets vs Gifting Cash: The Impact on Taxes and Asset Protection
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys have been providing excellent legal counsel and representation to clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts for many years. Among our areas of special focus are asset protection and minimizing tax liabilities, both of which can benefit from strategic gifting. In order to...

CommonHealth and You
By Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Esq., Partner
If you are a disabled adult, you may benefit from a MassHealth program known as CommonHealth. CommonHealth offers benefits similar to MassHealth Standard, but without the $2,000 countable asset...

Feel Good About the Future: 5 Reasons to Tackle Your Estate Plan This February
Love is in the air this February, but did you know that taking care of your loved ones extends far beyond a box of chocolates? February, aptly named "Feel...
