As the golden years unfold, maintaining independence and a high quality of life becomes paramount for older adults. We all know that a financial plan is important after retirement, but we rarely consider a health plan. One of the key factors contributing to our well-being is mobility. The ability to move freely, both within...
Archives: Newsletters
Client Newsletter: Sep. 13, 2024
Transferring Your Home to a Beneficiary Prior to Death vs. Leaving It in Your Will
Deciding how to pass your home to your beneficiary is a significant and personal decision. You can either transfer ownership while you’re still alive or leave it to them in your will. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, from tax implications to maintaining control over the property. By considering...
Client Newsletter: Sep. 6, 2024
Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Power of Attorney?
Power of Attorney (POA) is a major building block in estate planning, offering individuals the ability to appoint a trusted agent to manage their affairs when they are unable. It is important to work with a skilled attorney when you’re creating vital documents like POAs that must be legally binding. If you reside in...
Client Newsletter: Aug. 30, 2024
Understanding MassHealth Eligibility: Income and Asset Limits
As individuals age, planning for long-term care becomes increasingly urgent since most seniors will require long-term care at some point during their lifetimes. MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, offers vital support for seniors requiring long-term medical care, but navigating MassHealth eligibility can be logistically complicated and emotionally taxing.
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our talented estate planning/elder...
Client Newsletter: Aug. 23, 2024
Crisis MassHealth Planning: Options When You Need Coverage Fast
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand that life can throw unexpected challenges your way, especially when it comes to urgent health needs that require long-term nursing care. While our firm excels at preparing individuals and families for MassHealth (Medicaid) eligibility over time, we also specialize in crisis MassHealth planning, providing swift solutions for...
Client Newsletter: Aug. 16, 2024
Types of Assets Commonly Forgotten in Estate Plans
One of the first steps in estate planning is taking a full inventory of your assets. Only with a complete and accurate understanding of all your holdings can you create a plan that will protect your estate, help it grow, and prepare for contingencies. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we have been successfully assisting...
Client Newsletter: Aug. 9, 2024
Making Gifts to Grandchildren for College Savings Plans
The path to higher education is becoming increasingly costly. A high percentage of graduates find themselves navigating the early years of their careers while shouldering heavy, even unbearable, loads of student debt. For many, this debt follows them into middle age. This reality underscores the importance of early financial planning for education. That’s why...
Client Newsletter: Aug. 2, 2024
Navigating Solo Aging: Finding Strength and Support in a Changing Landscape
The landscape of aging is changing. Gone are the days when a spouse and children automatically formed the safety net for later life. Today, a growing number of adults are facing their later years alone, navigating the joys and challenges of solo aging. Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau paint a vivid picture: in...
Client Newsletter: Jul. 26, 2024
At-a-Glance Guide to the Role of a Personal Representative
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our seasoned legal team has been providing exceptional services to clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts for many years. In our practice, we find that almost all our clients must designate a personal representative (executor) for their estate or are preparing to take on this significant role for someone close to...
Client Newsletter: Jul. 19, 2024
Unique Estate Planning Considerations for Childless Couples
For childless couples, estate planning presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand that your estate planning needs are distinct from those of couples with children. Our firm has successfully helped numerous childless couples in Southeastern Massachusetts deal with the financial and personal aspects of these complexities....