For starters, a revocable trust is a changeable, amendable, revocable document. The opposite is not true: It is not true that all irrevocable trusts cannot be changed. This article seeks to briefly explore some examples of the types of irrevocable trusts that can be altered, in what way, and why drafting for...
Why You Should Have a Knowledgeable Attorney Draft Your Will
Now that nearly everyone is using the internet, it may look as though creating a will is an easy do-it-yourself project. Think again. There are multiple reasons that you need the services of a trustworthy estate attorney to draft your will. Don’t let your last words be guided by the artificial intelligence...
The 3 Easiest Ways to Avoid Probate in Massachusetts
By Attorney Rebecca S. Spinner
When someone dies in Massachusetts, anything that person owned individually will need to be probated. Probate is the court process by which the deceased person’s assets are transferred to the individuals who will inherit them. Probate takes at least a year and can...
Dos and Don’ts for Trustees
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our trust attorneys have extensive experience drafting and executing trusts for clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Trusts may be testamentary, revocable, or irrevocable. Their purposes are variable — e.g. avoiding probate or excessive taxation, protecting individuals with special needs, and providing for charitable contributions....
Life Estate Deeds vs. Irrevocable Trusts for Medicaid Protection
Written By: Attorney Rebecca S. Spinner, Esq.
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Many of the people we meet with come in looking to get help protecting their assets from the costs of long-term care. For most people, their home is their largest asset and the property they most wish to...
Reasons People Contest Trust Agreements
Most of us have heard of wills being contested, but many people are not aware that trusts can also be contested, often for similar reasons. A trust is a legal document and, as such, can only be contested in a lawsuit in state probate court by a person with legal standing to...
How to plan your estate as a Solo Ager
According to Forbes Magazine, it is estimated that there are 12 million adults over age of 65 and are living alone, or 27% of the overall population. That is a staggering number. Of that population, most are women. Ironically, although they are now alone, most were at one time or another, caretakers to...
Don’t Make These Mistakes When Creating a Trust for Your Child
Almost all parents want the very best for their children, financially as well as physically and emotionally. In an effort to protect their kids and make sure they have the necessary funds if the need arises, many of our clients ask us for help creating trusts for their child’s future benefit....
The Downside of Using On-line Estate Planning Software
The following case study is on the pitfalls of using online software forestate planning. This is a recent situation that Attorney Michelle Beneski and our office had to navigate. The names of the family have been changed but it could happen to anyone.
Bob was unmarried. He had 2 children. One of his...
Kiplinger Article: What a Beneficiary Controlled Trust Can Do to Protect Your Legacy After You Are Gone
Life is messy sometimes. Divorce, bankruptcies and lawsuits happen, and they can potentially wipe out the inheritance you’ve carefully set aside for your loved ones. But there are many trust options to help keep life from ruining your legacy.
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Many estate planners believe that their job is done...