An estate plan goes much further than a will. Not only does it deal with the distribution of assets and legacy wishes, but it may help you and your heirs pay substantially less in taxes, fees, and court costs. You should always consult an estate planning attorney to discuss your unique situation...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Preparing Heirs For Transfer of Inheritance
The key to a successful wealth transfer is maintaining clear communication. Estate planning attorneys can help when you wish to involve heirs in the planning stages in order to make the wealth transition easier.
Open Communication
Lack of trust or communication has squandered 60% of family fortunes, which...
Legal Documents for Students Who Are Headed to College
Parents, check one last thing off the list for your college-bound kid!
Will you be able to help your 18-year-old in an emergency? Let’s say that your son, an 18-year-old freshman at a college on the opposite end of the country, is unconscious in the hospital following an accident....
The Value of Pre-Planning
Much like estate planning, funeral pre-planning allows you to give your loved ones the gift of peace of mind. They just won’t know until the day they need it.
Many families are comforted by the knowledge that their loved ones will be spared the hardship and stress of making...
If Life is a Highway, then Estate Planning is the Road Map
Estate Planning is like a road map. And while the map may be straight forward for some, for others there may be stops along the way. One thing is for sure is that it all leads to the same destination: peace of mind!
A lot of people put off...
Three Documents that Provide Peace of Mind During a Crisis
Three primary documents that help ensure an individual’s access to their desired healthcare outcome are Power of Attorney (POA) and Advanced Directive. These written documents allow an individual to appoint external help to make legal, financial, and healthcare decisions on one’s behalf.
A Healthcare Proxy (HCP) This is a...
Six Important Facts About Advance Directives in Massachusetts
Advance directives might sound like something you only need later in life. But the truth is, they’re an important part of any adult’s planning. These documents give you control over your medical decisions, even when you’re not in a position to speak for yourself. They also take pressure off your loved ones,...
How Failing to Choose Alternatives Can Damage Your Estate Plan and Hurt Your Family
Most of the clients of Surprenant & Beneski are happy to have their estate planning behind them so they can relax, knowing their loved ones and their assets are protected. This is why they are grateful to have our estate planning team to guide them as they make vital decisions. Without that...
How a Well-Constructed Trust Can Provide for a Loved One Struggling with their Sobriety
Tragically, addiction is extremely common in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, as it is throughout the country. For this reason, many of our clients are troubled about how they will provide for addicted loved ones in their estate plans. Whether your child or another relative is addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or...
How to Prepare for Your Estate Planning Consultation
Congratulations, you have taken the first important step and have made an appointment with a qualified estate planning attorney to create an estate plan or review an existing plan. You’re looking forward to the reassurance that comes from knowing that your retirement, your legacy, and your family’s future are secure. Now...