As estate planning attorneys in Massachusetts, we understand that planning for the future involves addressing some challenging questions. One such question is how to manage the potentially high costs of nursing home care. It's a concern for many as they age, and rightfully so. In this blog, we'll delve into effective...

Start the New Year by Securing Your Future — Take the First Steps to Creating a Strong Estate Plan
As the New Year begins, it's time to think about securing your future and that of your loved ones. Creating an estate plan can be a vital step in ensuring that your wishes are honored and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you live in Southeastern Massachusetts, the accomplished...

New Years is a Perfect Time for Estate Planning
The new year is a great time to reflect on your life and make plans for the future. This includes planning for your estate and your legal needs. Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for what happens to your assets and property after you die. Elder law is the...

Family Gatherings: An Opportunity to Review Your Estate Plan With Family
At Surprenant & Beneski, we are aware that during the recent holiday season, families across Southeastern Massachusetts came together to celebrate, share stories, and create memories. These gatherings also presented a unique opportunity for some families to discuss important family matters, such as estate planning.
All family gatherings,...

Estate Planning for Snowbirds: What To Consider
For many individuals and couples, the ideal retirement includes two homes — one in their original northern state, familiar and cozy, and one in a warm southern clime in which to relax and avoid the chill and inconvenience of a northern winter. Thus, they choose to become “snowbirds,” traveling back and forth...

Ask the Attorney: Should I Leave Everything to My Spouse? (Spoiler — Your Kids May Never Get It)
Estate planning is a critical process that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. At Surprenant & Beneski, our estate planning attorneys are often asked whether it’s wise to leave everything to a spouse. Like estate planners everywhere, our clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, want to...

DIY Estate Planning: What Are the Risks?
Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. It is also the surest means of securing your legacy. Like other significant steps you will take in your life, planning your estate requires the advice of those who have knowledge, expertise, and experience in this particular area....

How to Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our loved ones and all that we have. It can also be a good time to start a conversation about estate planning. Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after you die. It also includes...

Ask the Attorney: My Parents Haven’t Done Any Estate Planning. What Should They Do?
Estate planning is often a topic shrouded in hesitation and uncertainty, especially for our aging parents. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of managing assets and future wishes. However, the absence of a well-structured estate plan can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion in an already emotional time. If your...

How Bank Accounts Pass on to Beneficiaries When a Loved One Passes
When a loved one dies and you are overwhelmed with grief, financial and legal matters requiring your attention are an additional burden. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our Massachusetts estate planning attorneys routinely help clients prepare for such challenging periods by making sure that assets like bank accounts will be smoothly transferred...