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...
Fifty Plus Advocate Article: Surprenant & Beneski P.C. encourages early estate planning
Learning about power of attorney, trusts, wills and health directives does not need to be overwhelming. The legal staff of Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. emphasize the importance and value of early estate planning. They are committed to educating you and facilitating the process so informed decisions are made for you and your...
Avoiding Family Disputes Over Inheritance
Family loss can bring both grief and unexpected tension. While emotions often run high after a death, many inheritance conflicts can be prevented with thoughtful estate planning and open communication. By creating a clear, updated estate plan that reflects your wishes and family dynamics, you can help your loved ones avoid disputes...
When Calling an Estate Planning Attorney Becomes Urgent
We’re all aware that it is better to begin projects during a period of calm rather than turmoil when decisions can be made thoughtfully and without pressure. Nonetheless, there are times when all of us find ourselves in dire need of a skilled professional; whether it's a doctor, a plumber, or even...
Common Estate Planning Questions
Exactly what is my “estate”?
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Many people associate the word “estate” with a large house or mansion (one of the word’s other meanings) but in terms of estate planning “estate” means the assets left by a person at death. These assets may include:
Estate Planning for Singles
Just as many people erroneously believe that estate planning is only for the elderly or the very wealthy, many fail to recognize that estate planning for singles is different than estate planning for couples. Since, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of the nation’s population is unmarried, this misconception...
Forbes Article: The Unique Estate Planning Needs Of The Unmarried
Estate planning discussions often give the impression that every senior in America is married with two or more kids. That’s not true, of course, and those who do not fit the profile need estate planning guidance at least as much as the stereotypical couple does.
Unmarried people should put a...
How Will a Large Inheritance or Windfall Affect my Estate Plan?
It seems like a nice problem to have — how should I handle all that extra money? Even so, a large inheritance or another type of windfall can make for some serious and complicated decision-making. Having a knowledgeable estate planning attorney to guide you can be invaluable.
Depending on...
Dos and Don’ts for Trustees
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our trust attorneys have extensive experience drafting and executing trusts for clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Trusts may be testamentary, revocable, or irrevocable. Their purposes are variable — e.g. avoiding probate or excessive taxation, protecting individuals with special needs, and providing for charitable contributions....