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,...

Graduation Gift Ideas for Estate Planning-Savvy Parents
Discover unique graduation gift ideas that show your child their achievement is being taken seriously. In addition to the intrinsic monetary value of such a gift, it will help them begin to focus on the importance of being responsible in order to have a secure future. Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., an...

Spring Cleaning Tips for Organizing Your Estate Plan
Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, a perfect opportunity to clear out the old and prepare for the new. This concept doesn’t just apply to your home or office but extends to all areas of your life, including your estate plan. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we emphasize...

Special Needs Trust vs ABLE Account
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we specialize in providing estate planning services to clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Among the crucial tools in our estate planning arsenal are Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) and ABLE accounts, each designed to enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities without compromising their eligibility for essential...

Spring Clean Your Estate: Don’t Let Your Plans Gather Dust!
The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and spring-cleaning fever is in the air. But before you tackle those cluttered closets and dusty shelves, there's another important area ripe...

Tax Considerations When Inheriting 401ks and IRAs
If you have recently inherited a 401(k) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you may be the recipient of substantial financial assets. Unfortunately, however, you may also be facing unwelcome tax complications. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our skilled estate planning attorneys are well-prepared to guide you through, refreshing your tax strategies...

Avoiding Sibling Squabbles Over Keepsakes and Heirlooms
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys know that when a loved one passes away, inherited keepsakes and heirlooms can be as important to beneficiaries as monetary inheritance. Because of the deep sentimental value of grandma’s wedding ring or grandpa’s violin, the distribution of keepsakes and heirlooms can, if...

Digital Estate Planning Checklist for Massachusetts Residents
In today's digital age, estate planning has expanded beyond physical assets to include a wide range of digital properties. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we advise our clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts to make sure to include digital assets in their estate plans because the worth of cyberspace entities can now be...