Considering the undeniable fact of our mortality, it is surprising how many people delay or overlook the importance of estate planning, including the drafting of wills and trusts. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we know that the risks of dying without a will (intestate) or without a trust, compounded by...
Will and Trust Contests: How To Prevent Challenges From Unhappy Beneficiaries
Even if you have the purest intentions of providing for your loved ones when you pass and foresee a smooth transfer of assets, you should be aware that one disgruntled beneficiary who challenges your will or trust can destabilize the family. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys...
Pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
When it comes to the management and distribution of your estate, do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions can be tempting. With the internet brimming with cookie-cutter forms and how-to guides, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that estate planning is just another task you can handle on your own. However, at...
Feel Good February Starts with Feeling Secure! Learn How Estate Planning Can Protect Your Family’s Future
February is known as the month of love, but it can also be the month of security for your family. This Feel-good February, why not give your loved ones the ultimate gift of peace of mind by getting your estate plan in order?
An estate plan is more than...
It’s Not Too Late To Restart Your New Year’s Resolution for Essential Estate Planning
As we progress into the new year, it becomes increasingly evident that while setting resolutions is a commendable start, the true essence of productivity lies in actively reorganizing and clarifying our goals and actions. Whether you’re cleaning the attic or reviewing your estate plan, early 2024 is an auspicious time to begin....
Does Your Estate Plan Match Your Life Stage?
Estate planning is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process that evolves as your life does. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand that because life is dynamic, your estate plan must be updated to reflect your present life stage and your current goals.
Changes occur in many...
Caregiver’s Legal Checklist: Essential Documents Every Caregiver Should Have on Hand
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning clients are often devoted caregivers who seek guidance about how best to make certain all the documents they need are well-crafted and readily at hand. This blog offers a checklist for caregivers who want to ensure that they have everything in place if...
Managing a Decedent’s Digital Legacy: How to Handle Digital Assets
Managing digital assets has emerged as a critical part of estate planning. At Surprenant & Beneski, our estate planning attorneys have many years of experience managing and preserving digital assets for clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod & the Islands. Contact us now to discuss how we can help manage...
Estate Planning Checklist for the New Year
Review your existing estate planning documents. If you already have an estate plan, review it to make sure it is still up to date and reflects your current wishes. This includes your will, trust, and any other estate planning documents.
Make necessary updates to your estate planning documents. If...
Understanding Competency in Massachusetts Estate Planning
Because estate planning decisions and documents are weighty and often life-altering, the competence of those making these decisions and signing these documents is central to the process. In other words, the law requires that the person signing a will, trust, durable power of attorney, or other estate planning document has the...