A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you give another person authority to manage your affairs. More specifically, a power of attorney for finances or financial power of attorney grants someone else, your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” the power to act on your behalf in financial matters. The term “durable”...
Starting Your Estate Plan? These Are the Documents You Need
Estate planning empowers you to protect what matters most—your loved ones, your assets, and your personal wishes. By creating a plan, you’re making thoughtful choices about your future and reducing the burden on family members during challenging times. This process allows you to address important questions about how your affairs will be...
The Importance of Regular Estate Plan Reviews: When and Why to Update
Estate planning isn’t a one-time task. Life changes, often in unexpected ways, and so do our needs and priorities. Just as you might regularly check in on your financial health, reviewing your estate plan helps ensure it’s always in sync with your current goals. Whether it’s a new addition to your family,...
Protecting Government Benefits Through Special Needs Planning
If you have a loved one with a disability, you understand how crucial government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid or MassHealth can be to their financial security and well-being. These programs often provide essential income and coverage for medical expenses. However, many families are concerned that leaving an inheritance...
How to Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our loved ones and all that we have. It can also be a good time to start a conversation about estate planning. Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after you die. It also includes...
Estate Planning Considerations for Massachusetts Veterans
Planning for the future is especially important for veterans, who often face unique challenges when navigating their financial and healthcare needs. Veterans in Massachusetts have access to various benefits through the VA, which can play a key role in their long-term financial security. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we help veterans structure...
Planning for Long-Term Care: How Estate Strategies Can Help Secure Your Future
Planning for retirement or vacations often takes center stage, but preparing for long-term care is just as important. Rising healthcare costs make it essential to consider how you will cover the expenses associated with aging or chronic illness. Long-term care insurance is one option to help protect your savings and provide peace...
Can You Place Limitations on Powers of Attorney?
A power of attorney (POA) is an important legal tool that lets you appoint someone to manage your financial or medical affairs if you're unable to do so yourself. But you might wonder if it's possible to limit what your agent can or can't do under this authority. The good news is...
The Role of Massachusetts Homestead Protection in Estate Planning
In Massachusetts, your home is likely one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it is a key concern for many families. The Massachusetts Homestead Protection Act allows homeowners to safeguard a portion of their home’s equity from creditors. This protection can offer peace of mind, knowing that your home remains secure...
The Importance of Advance Directives for Single Seniors
As we age, planning for future medical care becomes increasingly important, especially for single seniors who may not have immediate family members to rely on. In Massachusetts, an Advance Directive, often referred to as a living will, helps ensure that your healthcare wishes are respected if you’re unable to make decisions for...