A new year is upon us, and with it comes a host of New Year’s resolutions. A Neilson.com survey found that the top goals for the new year included: 1) staying fit and healthy, 2) losing weight, 3) enjoying life to the fullest, 4) spending less, saving more, 5) spending more time...
Reluctant to Consult with a Qualified Estate Planning Attorney? Don’t Be!
Whether you are just starting your career or contemplating retirement, you are probably aware that you should be planning for your future. If you find yourself reluctant to do so or procrastinating for reasons you cannot explain -- you are not alone. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we have been diligently serving...
When a Loved One Dies
After a loved one dies, there are many issues which need to be addressed to wrap up the person’s legal and financial affairs. The following is a checklist of issues to consider:
The funeral home should take care of providing you with certified copies of the death certificate. The...
Yahoo Finance Article: How Long Does Probate Take?
By Ashley Kilroy
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If you own any property at all, you probably know about estate planning. You can decide what happens to your assets after you die, of course. But sometimes, people don’t pen a will or trust before they pass. Or, if they do, it’s not...
Let’s Talk About Estate Planning 4 Reasons to get Started Today
Even in the closest families, conversations about money and death can be uncomfortable. “In our society certain topics are deemed private, and it is considered rude to discuss or ask about them,” says Michelle Beneski, managing partner at Surprenant & Beneski. “Within families, children are hesitant to raise the issue of estate...
The Downside of Using On-line Estate Planning Software
The following case study is on the pitfalls of using online software forestate planning. This is a recent situation that Attorney Michelle Beneski and our office had to navigate. The names of the family have been changed but it could happen to anyone.
Bob was unmarried. He had 2 children. One of his...
In the Turmoil of Divorce, Don’t Forget to Alter Your Estate Plan
Going through a divorce is difficult on a number of levels. For most people, it involves alterations in living arrangements and finances, not to mention emotional distress. As you go through the divorce process, you are undoubtedly busy and harassed, but it’s important to contact your estate planning attorney. Remember -- not...
Estate Planning and Empathy
em·pa·thy /ˈempəTHē/ noun/ The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
As we get older, we find that we become more empathetic because life has a way of humbling us to soften those sharp edges from our youth. But what does empathy have to do with elder...
Why Chronic Illness Has To Be Considered During Estate Planning
Whether you are suffering from a serious illness at the time you begin planning your estate or are diagnosed after the task has been completed, the fact that you have a chronic illness is relevant to the process. This is why it is vital to share this information with your estate planning...
Nerd Wallet Article – Estate Planning: A 7-Step Checklist of the Basics
Here's what estate planning is and a handful of things you can do to get started.
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You don't have to be rich to need estate planning. Your estate includes everything you own, and it can be any size, which is why it can be worth taking time to...