Welcoming a new child into your family is exciting and joyous! It also makes you aware of the heavy responsibility that comes with being a new parent, and should make you eager to secure your child’s future through estate planning. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our experienced attorneys understand the importance of...
What to Know About Massachusetts Personal Representative Fees
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our clients often ask questions about the role of personal representatives (aka executors or PRs) in the process of estate planning. Many of our clients also want to know whether PRs must be paid for their services and, if so, whether they must be paid a specific...
Transferring Your Home to a Beneficiary Prior to Death vs. Leaving It in Your Will
Deciding how to pass your home to your beneficiary is a significant and personal decision. You can either transfer ownership while you're still alive or leave it to them in your will. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, from tax implications to maintaining control over the property....
Estate Planning for Vacation Homes and Timeshares
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!)
Written By: Attorney Wendy W. Weston, Esq.
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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...