A loved one’s death, even if expected, can be overwhelming, logistically as well as emotionally, especially if you are the designated personal representative, also known as the executor. Now is the right time to consult with a well-respected probate attorney who will guide you through the process of handling the estate...

Estate Planning for Single Parents
It is estimated that approximately 25 percent of households with children under the age of 18 are headed by single parents. First and foremost, single parents are concerned about providing for their children’s futures. An important aspect of that planning is to consider an estate plan so that their children are protected...

Why Estate Planning Is Vital for Unmarried Couples
If you are an unmarried couple residing in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod, contact Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. for an informative, personalized consultation. Our estate planning law practice is open to all and our skilled attorneys are eager to help you plan for the future.
Don’t be fooled...

How to Find the Right Estate Planning Attorney
Choosing the right estate planning attorney has much in common with choosing any type of professional (e.g. doctor, accountant, architect). You want someone who is not only skilled and knowledgeable in their field, but who is completely trustworthy, pleasant to work with, and accommodates your needs.
Keep in mind...

Pivotal Life Moments are Key to Reviewing Your Estate Plan
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...

How to have the Hard Conversation About Estate Planning with Your Parents
Your parents have no doubt had difficult conversations with you over the years. Talks about academic or social problems, conversations about your unacceptable behavior, discussions about dating and sex. Now, as you see them aging, if they are not preparing for the future, it’s your turn to bring up the challenging topic...

How Expertise in Elder Law Benefits your Estate Plan
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...

Why it’s Important to Estate Plan in an Economic Downturn
Planning for the future during an economic boom is fun. Optimism and joyful speculation give your estate plan a rosy glow, and it may seem the sky’s the limit. Nonetheless, there is much to be said for the realistic, protective mindset that accompanies estate planning during an economic downturn. In either case,...

5 Things to Know about Estate Planning for Pets
As part of our family, pets typically get their needs well met and receive an enormous amount of care and affection. Unlike children, however, they do not grow up and become independent. For this reason, we remain concerned about their well-being for as long as they live and sometimes worry about how...

Estate Planning for LGBTQ Families
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...