As a professional trustee and executor, I have seen hundreds of estate-planning documents, including some from do-it-yourself online services. I appreciate that using a DIY site to draft a will can save money and time. But I’m also concerned that sometimes doing it this way...
Many people think that all they need is a simple Last Will and Testament (Will). They also think that a Will directs all of their assets and...
By Matthew Erskine
The key to estate planning for many years has been the time value of money - the assumption that an investment asset will be worth more in the future than it is today. Since the 1930’s, this assumption has been proven correct, as the total return on investments...
The coronavirus pandemic getting you thinking about preparing a Will? You may be worried about how your exposure to the disease or preexisting health conditions may make you more susceptible to COVID-19. The need for an estate plan is constant, but now more than ever, we seek the peace of mind that...
If you’ve just learned that you’ve been appointed as a deceased individual’s personal representative also referred to as Executor, you are likely wondering what happens next. A loved one’s death often comes as a shock, and it can be hard to get your bearings afterward. In Massachusetts, personal representatives are responsible for...
At Surprenant & Beneski, PC, we’ve helped many clients create estate plans that serve them well. We understand that the thought of doing estate planning can seem overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand the process better. Everyone can benefit from planning for the...
Many Americans do not have any estate planning documents in place. As we’re in the middle of a global pandemic, many of us have spent time thinking about what could happen if we become incapacitated or die due to coronavirus. Without a valid will, Massachusetts probate courts will divide up and...
Many small business owners do not have an estate plan set up. Many business owners who do have a business plan don’t have an updated estate plan. Taking the time to create a business estate plan is incredibly important. You’ve worked hard, putting your blood, sweat, and tears into building up your...
By Paul Sullivan
Mr. Buffett has instructed his executors to not sell any shares of his firm, Berkshire Hathaway. But these types of directives typically result in lawsuits.
Warren E. Buffett’s annual letter to shareholders is always parsed for investing wisdom from the Oracle of Omaha.
Like so many of you, I am doing my part to protect the health of our vulnerable community members and frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by socially distancing. To stay in touch (and sane!), I have been connecting frequently with friends and family by telephone and videoconference. In these interactions, I...
