Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C. - New Bedford, MA
Surprenant, Beneski and Nunes P.C. is a premier Massachusetts estate planning and elder law firm in New Bedford with 60 years of history, featuring Certified Elder Law Attorneys dedicated to asset protection, Medicaid planning, trusts, and special needs advocacy.
Six Decades of Trusted Estate Planning in New Bedford
Planning for future uncertainties requires counsel who understand complex financial regulations and family dynamics. Surprenant, Beneski and Nunes P.C. has stood as a cornerstone of estate planning and elder law across Southeastern Massachusetts since 1965. Founded by Robert L. Surprenant and led today by managing partners Daniel M. Surprenant, Michelle D. Beneski, and Erin L. Nunes, the practice operates its principal office at 35 Arnold Street. Partners Daniel Surprenant and Michelle Beneski are Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) designated by the National Elder Law Foundation, representing two of only two dozen attorneys statewide with this credential.
Customized Estate Planning and Trusts Lawyers
Serving as dedicated estate planning lawyers, the firm designs tailored solutions to ensure assets transfer smoothly while minimizing estate tax liabilities. Key practice areas include:
- Drafting comprehensive wills that dictate asset division, name guardians for minor dependents, and designate personal representatives.
- Structuring revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts to help families avoid the delays and public disclosures of probate court.
- Formulating durable power of attorney lawyers instruments and healthcare proxies to manage financial and medical decisions upon incapacity.
- Implementing living wills, advance directives, and HIPAA authorizations for end-of-life care decisions.
Whether you need to establish a foundational plan or hire a lawyer to update existing documents, the firm delivers customized precision.
Proactive Elder Law and Medicaid (MassHealth) Planning
With long-term healthcare costs rising across Massachusetts, nursing home care can quickly deplete savings. As skilled elder law practitioners, the firm guides families through asset protection and crisis Medicaid planning. The legal team navigates the five-year look-back period, implements irrevocable asset protection trusts, and crafts lawful spend-down strategies. These measures ensure seniors receive quality care through MassHealth while protecting the family homestead for future generations.
Special Needs Planning and Supplemental Care Trusts
Leaving direct inheritances to individuals with disabilities can disqualify them from public assistance like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and MassHealth. The firm creates third-party and first-party special needs trusts, ensuring loved ones enjoy supplemental financial support and an improved quality of life without forfeiting critical government benefits.
Compassionate Probate Lawyers and Estate Administration
As experienced probate lawyers, the legal team shepherds personal representatives through probate court filings, asset inventories, creditor notices, estate tax returns, and final fiduciary accountings. The firm also counsels trustees on fiduciary duties, preventing intra-family disputes and unnecessary litigation.
Recognized Excellence in Southeastern Massachusetts
The firm regularly earns selections to Super Lawyers, holds top ratings from Lead Counsel, and has been voted Best Law Firm in the South Coast Community Choice Awards. This proven track record gives clients confidence in every estate strategy executed.
Schedule Your Estate Consultation Today
Whether you require urgent legal consultation regarding nursing home costs or wish to find an attorney to protect your family legacy, Surprenant, Beneski and Nunes P.C. is prepared to help. Contact the New Bedford office at 508-994-5200 to schedule your appointment.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Situated in the historic County Street Historic District neighborhood of New Bedford, offering a quiet, professional environment.
Building Location
Housed in a beautiful, historic mixed-use professional building built in 1890, located on the corner of Arnold Street and Orchard Street.
Parking Details
The property features a spacious private on-site surface parking lot with spaces for approximately 10 vehicles, ensuring convenient access for clients.
Public Transit
Served by SRTA Route 203 (Dartmouth St); nearest stop is at Dartmouth St and Washington St.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Walk up the pathway to the main entrance of the historic professional building at 35 Arnold Street. Enter the front door to access the main floor reception area.