Owning a vacation home or timeshare can be a dream come true, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a sanctuary for making lasting memories with loved ones. Still, ensuring that these assets are seamlessly integrated into your estate plan is essential for preserving their value and...

Special Considerations for LGBTQIA+ Seniors in Estate Planning
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we have an unflagging commitment to inclusivity, both as estate planning attorneys and as members of the community. For decades, we've proudly served LGBTQIA+ seniors throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. With LGBTQIA+ seniors, as with all our clients, we make it a priority to tune into both their universal...

Understanding MassHealth Eligibility: Income and Asset Limits
As individuals age, planning for long-term care becomes increasingly urgent since most seniors will require long-term care at some point during their lifetimes. MassHealth, Massachusetts' Medicaid program, offers vital support for seniors requiring long-term medical care, but navigating MassHealth eligibility can be logistically complicated and emotionally taxing.
At...

Types of Assets Commonly Forgotten in Estate Plans
One of the first steps in estate planning is taking a full inventory of your assets. Only with a complete and accurate understanding of all your holdings can you create a plan that will protect your estate, help it grow, and prepare for contingencies. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we have...

Why Most Americans Skip Estate Planning (and Why They Shouldn’t!)
Here at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand that estate planning can stir up a range of emotions. Some fear it tempts fate, while others see it...

Unique Estate Planning Considerations for Childless Couples
For childless couples, estate planning presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand that your estate planning needs are distinct from those of couples with children. Our firm has successfully helped numerous childless couples in Southeastern Massachusetts deal with the financial and personal aspects of...

At-a-Glance Guide to the Role of a Personal Representative
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our seasoned legal team has been providing exceptional services to clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts for many years. In our practice, we find that almost all our clients must designate a personal representative (executor) for their estate or are preparing to take on this significant role for someone...

Estate Planning for the LGBTQ+ Community
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in the landmark case, Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states. In the estate planning world, this means that LGBTQ+ couples that marry can now take advantage of all of...

Getting Married or Divorced? Estate Planning Moves to Make Now
Marriage and divorce are two significant milestones, each bringing its own set of emotions, challenges, and adjustments. While marriage is typically celebrated as an act of love and commitment and, divorce is usually accompanied by loss and regret, in both cases, the practical impact on estate planning should not be overlooked. For...

Do You Need an Estate Plan for Estates Worth Under $2 Million?
Many people assume that estate planning is only for the very wealthy, those with assets worth over $2 million. However, at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we firmly believe that every estate, no matter its size, deserves a well-thought-out plan. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts handle the various,...