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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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:
