*Ducks in a Row: The Estate Planning Guide* is a comprehensive resource hosted by Attorney Erin Nunes from Surprenant, Beneski, and Nunes, focusing on empowering southeastern Massachusetts families with proactive estate planning strategies. The show offers expert insights and practical guidance on securing your family's future through thoughtful planning.
What Happens to Retirement Accounts When Someone Dies in Massachusetts?
In this episode of Ducks in a Row, the Estate Planning Guide, host Michelle Rotella is joined by ERIN NUNES, managing partner at Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C., to discuss the critical decisions surrounding retirement accounts after a person passes away. ERIN explains the importance of beneficiary designations and how they can impact the distribution of assets, avoiding probate, and minimizing tax liabilities.
The conversation delves into the challenges of outdated designations, the implications of naming minors or disabled individuals as beneficiaries, and the tax consequences under the Secure Act. ERIN shares real-life examples of how improper planning can lead to costly outcomes for families. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to proactively manage beneficiary designations to align with their wishes and protect their loved ones’ financial futures.
29 Sept 2026
Do Single Adults Need an Estate Plan in Massachusetts?
Ducks in a Row: the Estate Planning Guide is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning. Hosted by LeAnn Lyon and featuring expert insights from Attorney Erin Nunes, the show covers a wide range of topics from wills and trusts to healthcare proxies and power of attorney.
Designed for anyone looking to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored, the podcast offers practical advice and real-world examples in a clear, accessible format. Whether you’re planning for the future or managing an estate, Ducks in a Row provides the guidance you need to plan with confidence.
15 Sept 2026
What Does an Executor Actually Do in Massachusetts?
In this episode of Ducks in a Row: the Estate Planning Guide, attorney Erin Nunes, managing partner at Surprenant, Beneski and Nunes, delves into the critical role of an executor, now referred to as a personal representative in Massachusetts. Erin explains the responsibilities and challenges that come with managing an estate, from filing necessary forms with the probate court to handling creditors and distributing assets. She highlights the importance of choosing a detail-oriented and organized individual who can effectively manage the estate’s complexities. Erin also discusses potential legal pitfalls executors may face, such as early distributions and poor record-keeping. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone involved in estate planning, ensuring that listeners understand the significance of selecting the right person to fulfill this vital role.
1 Sept 2026
Can a Nursing Home Take Your House in Massachusetts?
In this episode of Ducks in a Row: the Estate Planning Guide, attorney Erin Nunes discusses the complexities of protecting your home when long-term care becomes necessary. Joined by host Evan Mack, Erin explains the common misconceptions families have about nursing homes taking their homes and clarifies the role of MassHealth in estate recovery. They delve into the intricacies of asset protection, the importance of pre-planning, and the potential pitfalls of transferring property to children. Erin emphasizes the necessity of understanding your options and the legal tools available, such as irrevocable trusts and life estate deeds, to safeguard your assets. This episode is crucial for families looking to make informed decisions about estate planning and long-term care, ensuring they are prepared for future challenges.
18 Aug 2026
What Happens to Bank Accounts When Someone Dies in Massachusetts?
In this episode of Ducks in a Row: the Estate Planning Guide, attorney Erin Nunes from Surprenant, Beneski, and Nunes delves into the complexities surrounding bank accounts after a loved one passes away. Host Evan Mack guides the discussion as Erin explains the probate process in Massachusetts, highlighting the importance of account ownership and beneficiary designations.
The episode clarifies the differences between joint accounts with rights of survivorship and convenience accounts, emphasizing the potential pitfalls families face if accounts are not properly set up. Erin shares real-life examples of disputes arising from unclear intentions and offers practical advice on how to avoid common mistakes, such as naming minors as beneficiaries. Listeners will gain valuable insights into estate planning, ensuring their assets are distributed according to their wishes while minimizing family conflicts.
4 Aug 2026
Can You Avoid Probate in Massachusetts Without a Trust?
In this episode of Ducks in a Row: the Estate Planning Guide, host Lisa Mosbey is joined by Attorney Erin Nunes, a managing partner at Surprenant, Beneski, and Nunes. They delve into the intricacies of avoiding probate in Massachusetts without setting up a trust. Erin explains the probate process, the role of wills, and how assets like homes and vehicles typically go through probate.
She discusses alternative strategies such as joint ownership and beneficiary designations, highlighting their limitations. Erin also explores common pitfalls people encounter when attempting to avoid probate on their own and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive planning. Listeners will gain valuable insights into making informed decisions to protect their assets and ensure a smooth transition for their beneficiaries.
21 Jul 2026
What Does a Power of Attorney Actually Do in Massachusetts?
In this episode of Ducks in a Row: the Estate Planning Guide: host Lisa Mosbey sits down with Attorney Erin Nunes, a managing partner at Surprenant, Beneski, and Nunes, to discuss the critical role of a power of attorney in estate planning. Erin explains what a power of attorney is, the types of decisions it allows, and the importance of having a comprehensive document. The conversation delves into real-life scenarios where a power of attorney is essential, such as selling real estate or managing assets when transitioning to assisted living. Erin also highlights common pitfalls when a power of attorney is missing or outdated, and the legal challenges families face without it. Listeners will gain valuable insights into choosing the right person for this role, the importance of naming alternates, and ensuring the document is regularly updated to reflect current wishes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to safeguard their estate and ensure their loved ones are protected.
7 Jul 2026
What Happens If You Become Incapacitated Without a Plan in Massachusetts?
In this episode of Ducks in a Row: the Estate Planning Guide, Attorney Erin Nunes, a managing partner at Surprenant, Beneski and Nunes, discusses the complexities surrounding legal incapacity and the importance of estate planning. Host Evan Mack and Erin explore what happens when someone becomes unable to make decisions for themselves without a plan in place. They delve into the court processes of conservatorship and guardianship, highlighting the challenges families face when these legal mechanisms are required. Erin shares insights on common scenarios that lead to these situations, such as sudden illnesses or accidents, and emphasizes the critical role of documents like durable powers of attorney and healthcare proxies. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how proactive estate planning can alleviate stress and prevent family conflicts, ensuring that loved ones are cared for according to their wishes.
23 Jun 2026
Understanding Essential Estate Planning Documents
In this episode of Ducks in a Row, the Estate Planning Guide, attorney Erin Nunes from Surprenant, Beneski and Nunes discusses the critical documents involved in estate planning. Erin explains the importance of foundational documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies, emphasizing their role in safeguarding assets and ensuring wishes are honored. She clarifies common misconceptions about wills and probate, and illustrates how trusts can be used to avoid probate and protect assets from long-term care costs. Erin also highlights the significance of having comprehensive powers of attorney and healthcare proxies to prevent the need for costly and time-consuming court interventions. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how proper planning can alleviate stress and provide peace of mind for families during challenging times.
9 Jun 2026
The First 90 Days After a Parent’s Diagnosis: Legal Steps Massachusetts Families Should Consider
In this episode of Ducks in a Row, the Estate Planning Guide, Erin Nunes, a managing partner at Surprenant, Beneski, and Nunes, delves into the intricacies of estate planning. They discuss the critical importance of having a plan in place, especially after a parent’s diagnosis that could lead to legal incapacitation. Erin explains common pitfalls Massachusetts families face, such as the risks of giving away assets too soon or adding children’s names to property deeds. The episode highlights the benefits of using irrevocable trusts for asset protection and the nuances of the five-year lookback rule. Erin also provides insights into determining legal capacity for signing a power of attorney and the implications of guardianship and conservatorship. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on safeguarding assets and ensuring their wishes are honored, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in estate planning.
26 May 2026
Medicaid Planning in Massachusetts: What Families Get Wrong About Long-Term Care
In this episode of Ducks in a Row, the Estate Planning Guide, host Lisa Mosbey is joined by Attorney Erin Nunes from Surpenant, Beneski, and Nunes Estate Planning and Elder Law. They delve into the complexities of MassHealth, Medicaid, and Medicare, focusing on the distinctions and implications for Massachusetts residents. Erin explains the critical five-year lookback rule and its impact on last-minute planning. The discussion covers various strategies for asset protection, including the use of irrevocable trusts and Medicaid Protection Trusts. Erin emphasizes the importance of early planning and the potential pitfalls of DIY Medicaid planning. Listeners will gain valuable insights into protecting their assets while ensuring eligibility for necessary care, making this episode a must-listen for families looking to secure their financial future.
28 Apr 2026
Will vs. Trust in Massachusetts: What Actually Makes Sense for Your Family?
In this episode of *Ducks in a Row: The Estate Planning Guide*, Attorney Erin Nunes sheds light on the critical distinctions between wills and trusts in Massachusetts. Discover how these legal tools impact probate, privacy, costs, and family dynamics, offering invaluable insights for effective estate planning strategies.
14 Apr 2026
What Happens If You Die Without an Estate Plan in Massachusetts?
In this episode of *Ducks in a Row: The Estate Planning Guide* Attorney Erin Nunes sheds light on the common pitfalls families face when estate planning is delayed until a crisis hits. She emphasizes the importance of having a will and outlines how intestacy laws in Massachusetts can impact asset distribution. Erin also provides insights on avoiding probate, navigating blended family dynamics, and ensuring minor children are cared for according to your wishes.
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