As a single parent, estate planning might seem overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to secure your child’s future. You’re the primary decision-maker; ensuring your wishes are clearly laid out can give you peace of mind. From choosing a guardian to setting up a trust, several...

Staying Home, Staying Healthy: How CommunityMassHealth Can Help
By Attorney Erin. L Nunes, Esq., Partner
As elder law attorneys, we see firsthand the desire of many seniors to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Fortunately, Massachusetts offers a valuable program called Community
MassHealth that can make this dream a reality for those needing...

Community MassHealth: A Valuable Tool for Long-Term Care Planning
Community MassHealth is a state-funded program that provides health care coverage for low-income individuals and families in Massachusetts. While it's often associated with Medicaid, Community MassHealth offers a specific program called "Community Medicaid" that can be a valuable tool for individuals seeking to offset the...

Letter of Intent: A Crucial Document in Special Needs Planning
Caring for a loved one with special needs involves more than just addressing financial concerns; it’s about ensuring their day-to-day life is supported with the attention and care they require. A letter of intent captures the unique details of their routines, preferences, and needs, providing future caregivers with a comprehensive understanding of...

Adulting 101: Why Young Families Need an Estate Plan
Starting a family is an exciting milestone, but it also brings new responsibilities that require careful consideration. One of the most crucial steps you can take to protect your loved ones is to create a comprehensive estate plan. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly; it’s about making sure...

Protecting LGBTQ Partners: The Importance of Health Care Proxies and Advance Directives
Planning for the future is essential, especially when it comes to ensuring that your wishes are respected in critical situations. For LGBTQ partners, having health care proxies and advance directives in place is a key step in safeguarding your rights and maintaining control over medical decisions. These legal documents enable you to...

National Estate Planning Week: A Timely Reminder to Secure Your Future
By Erin L. Nunes, Partner at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
National Estate Planning Week, October 21-27, 2024, offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on your personal and financial goals and ensure your legacy is protected. As...

Case Study: The Importance of Early Estate Planning
Client Background:
A husband and wife sought legal advice due to the wife's need for in-home care. Neither spouse had previously considered estate...

Power of Attorney vs. Health Care Proxy: What’s the Difference?
When thinking about your future, it’s natural to want reassurance that your wishes will be respected, both financially and medically. The Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy are two ways you can make sure that the people you trust can step in and make decisions on your behalf if needed. Although...

What Is a Pour-Over-Will and When Is it Useful?
A pour-over will acts as a safety net in estate planning. It ensures that any assets not included in your trust during your lifetime are transferred into it after your passing. This tool seamlessly complements a living trust by capturing any missed assets and directing them to their intended destinations. This method...
