The number one reason many people do not have estate plans is that they are frightened by the thought of discussing a future that includes their own mortality. They need not worry. Estate planning is anything but anxiety-producing. When handled by competent professionals like the estate planning attorneys of Surprenant & Beneski,...
What if My Primary Beneficiary Predeceases Me?
This question can be a troubling one. Although the odds are in your favor that your wishes will be able to be carried out as stated in your will and/or established in your trust(s), there is always the rare but real possibility that the person you intended to leave your worldly goods...
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting with my Estate Planning Attorney?
If you are overwhelmed by the thought of gathering the details and documents necessary for your first meeting with an estate planning attorney, take a deep breath. An experienced professional in the field will put you at ease, whether you’ve done any previous homework or not. It’s a good idea, however, to...
Why Estate Planning is Important
Daniel M. Surprenant, Managing Partner, CELA
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Essentially, estate planning is the process of determining, through legal guidance and documents, who will receive your hard-earned assets. Estate planning is very important because it also determines how your life savings, home and personal items will be spent or saved during...
What to Organize
The following is a list of important documents that you should have organized and kept together in a safe place. These documents are important to have not only for estate planning but also in times where you may need them such as incapacitation or death, moving, or even in catastrophic events such...
How to Ensure that My Children Inherit My Home
For most of us, our home is our most significant asset and we want to be able to pass it on to our children. Not everyone is aware, however, that there are several ways to do this. In order to understand which method is best for you, consult with a knowledgeable estate...
Where Do I Start with Estate Planning?
Written by Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Partner
I get it! No one wants to talk about Estate Planning. That’s the #1 reason why it doesn’t get done. The 2nd reason estate planning doesn’t happen is because no one knows where to start. Let me tell you that it actually...
How to plan your estate as a Solo Ager
According to Forbes Magazine, it is estimated that there are 12 million adults over age of 65 and are living alone, or 27% of the overall population. That is a staggering number. Of that population, most are women. Ironically, although they are now alone, most were at one time or another, caretakers to...
5 Reasons You Need an Estate Plan
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys have assisted clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod in successfully planning their estates for well over a decade. In times of trouble, like the COVID epidemic, people are more inclined to be concerned about preparing for the unknown, but, ironically, because...
Why Do I Need a Letter of Intent as Part of My Estate Plan?
A letter of intent is a personal document that complements the legal pieces of your estate plan. While it’s not legally binding, it can be one of the most meaningful parts of your planning. This letter gives you a chance to speak in your own voice, share personal wishes, and provide thoughtful...