When a loved one passes away, managing their estate often involves going through probate. In Massachusetts, this process includes steps that ensure the proper distribution of assets, payment of debts, and finalization of legal matters. Each phase, from filing initial paperwork to distributing the estate, is designed to protect the interests of...
What Assets Are Exempt from Probate in Massachusetts?
When planning your estate, knowing which assets are exempt from probate is important. In Massachusetts, certain assets skip the probate process entirely, making the transfer to your beneficiaries quicker and more efficient. These exemptions can help ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.,...
Minimizing Taxes During Probate in Massachusetts
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we have a longstanding commitment to serving clients across Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod with top-notch estate planning services. One of the crucial services we offer is asset protection, which involves strategic planning to minimize taxes both during your lifetime and after you pass away.
Tips and Strategies to Limit Assets Passing through Probate
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our legal team has spent many years successfully helping clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts navigate the complexities of probate. While probate can be a straightforward process, estates of substantial value, or those with assets in various states or countries, often face a probate process that is not only...
Selling a House During the Probate Process in Massachusetts
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is always challenging, and the complexities of settling the estate can add an additional layer of stress. For many families in Southeastern Massachusetts, selling a relative's house is a necessary step in managing the family's finances and ensuring the proper distribution of the deceased's...
Feel Good February Starts with Feeling Secure! Learn How Estate Planning Can Protect Your Family’s Future
February is known as the month of love, but it can also be the month of security for your family. This Feel-good February, why not give your loved ones the ultimate gift of peace of mind by getting your estate plan in order?
An estate plan is more than...
Keeping Your Keys in the Right Hands: Trust Benefits for Real Estate in Massachusetts
Written by Attorney Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq, CELA, Managing Partner
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We know the pride and joy homeowners feel when passing down their treasured properties. But what if the transfer process could be smoother, more secure, and less stressful for everyone involved? Enter the trust, a legal tool...
How to Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our loved ones and all that we have. It can also be a good time to start a conversation about estate planning. Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after you die. It also includes...
Is Probate Still Required If There Is a Surviving Spouse?
“Probate” is a distressing term in some circles, but it is not as scary a process as it is sometimes made out to be. At Surprenant & Beneski, we advise clients with diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and income levels about when probate is required and when it can be avoided. In this blog,...
Creating an Estate Plan: How to Protect Your Wealth and Prevent Hardship for Your Heirs
Written By: Attorney Erin L. Nunes, Partner
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Estate planning is the process of making arrangements for your assets when, and if, you become incapacitated, and after your death. It can help you ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimize estate taxes, protect your loved...