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
By Attorney Rebecca S. Spinner, Esq.
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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...
The Dangers of Having No Will or Trust in Place and Losing Capacity Before Death
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....