Substance abuse is an escalating concern in Massachusetts and across the nation, impacting countless families and communities. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys have extensive experience assisting families who are coping with a loved one's substance abuse issues. Knowing that problems of substance abuse impact individuals and their families...
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...
Jay Leno and Conservatorship: Protecting Assets or Restricting Rights?
By: Attorney Michelle D. Beneski, Esq., CELA, LLM Taxation, Managing Partner
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The recent news of Jay Leno seeking conservatorship for his wife has brought this legal process into the spotlight. While it can be a crucial...
What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust?
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or ILIT, is a trust specifically designed to own and be the beneficiary of one or more life insurance policies. Once an ILIT is set up and a life insurance policy is transferred into it, the trust itself becomes the owner of the policy. This means that...
What You Should Know Before Setting Up a Trust for Minor Children
When it comes to safeguarding your children's future, establishing a trust can be one of the most prudent steps you can take. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our seasoned trust attorneys specialize in assisting clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod in protecting assets and securing family legacies. Here's an informative...
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...
Trusts Aren’t Just for the Wealthy: A Primer on a Power Tool to Protect Your Loved Ones
Trusts are often misunderstood as tools reserved for the wealthy, but in reality, they're accessible and beneficial for people across various financial backgrounds. They offer a unique way to protect assets, save on taxes, and ensure your wishes are respected, making them a vital component in estate planning.
Choosing the Right Trustee for Your Special Needs Trust
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys know that if someone you love has special needs, you also face special challenges. Our practice has extensive experience helping clients like you assist close family members in their struggles to lead productive, secure, and fulfilling lives. One of the estate planning...
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...
What Happens When Co-Trustees Disagree?
Serving as a trustee is a serious responsibility. When more than one person is named, the role can be easier in some ways, since the work and decision-making are shared. At the same time, disagreements between co-trustees can make administering a trust far more complicated. If you are considering naming co-trustees, or...