Law Office of Suzanne E. Hannigan

03/25/2026

Spring cleaning? Add your estate plan to the list.

It's not just about documents .... it’s about making sure the people you care about aren’t left guessing.

Wills, trusts, health care proxies… all the things for your future that you will be glad you took care of.

Clear steps. Real peace of mind - minus the stuffy legal talk.

Text or call: 774‑227‑2376
23 Trescott St., Taunton, MA 02780

03/10/2026

One of the most common things we hear from people after a loved one passes away is:

“I don’t even know where to start.”

Do we need to go to court?
What happens to the house?
Do we have to file the will somewhere?

These are very common questions, and the process can feel overwhelming .... especially while you’re grieving.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and aren’t sure what the next steps are, I'm always happy to help point you in the right direction.

02/04/2026

01/28/2026

“What’s a trust?” is one of the most common questions I hear.
If it feels overwhelming or unclear, you’re not alone, and I’m happy to help break it down.

01/20/2026

“What do I do when someone I love dies?”

This is a question no one is ever prepared for.

Between grief, family dynamics, and unfamiliar legal steps, it can feel overwhelming just trying to figure out where to start. Probate, paperwork, bank accounts, court...it’s a lot, especially during an already difficult time.

You don’t have to have all the answers. And you don’t have to handle it alone.

If you’ve recently lost someone and aren’t sure what comes next, I’m here to help guide you through the process one step at a time and with clarity and compassion.

01/14/2026

If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, chances are you’re juggling work, kids, aging parents, and about a hundred other priorities. Estate planning usually ends up at the bottom of the list — not because it isn’t important, but because life is...BUSY!

Here’s the Massachusetts reality:
Without a basic estate plan in place, the Commonwealth decides who can manage your finances, make medical decisions, and care for your minor children if something unexpected happens.

Estate planning in your 30s, 40s, or 50s isn’t about being pessimistic or planning for “later.”
It’s about:
• Making things easier for your spouse
• Protecting your kids
• Avoiding unnecessary court involvement
• Having a plan before you need one

Most people don’t need anything complicated, just the right documents, done thoughtfully.

If estate planning has been on your mental to-do list for years, this is your sign to move it up a notch. Questions are always welcome.

—
Suzanne Hannigan, Esq.
Massachusetts & Rhode Island Estate Planning Attorney

01/06/2026

🎉📬 College acceptances are starting to roll in!

While your child is deciding where they’ll be heading next fall, there’s one important thing parents should keep in mind:

Once your child turns 18, the law treats them as an adult—even if they’re still living at home, on your health insurance, or relying on you for support.

That means parents no longer automatically have the right to:
❌ Access medical information
❌ Speak with doctors
❌ Help with financial or legal matters in an emergency

A few simple documents can help avoid problems down the road:

✔️ Health Care Proxy – Lets you make medical decisions if your child can’t
✔️ HIPAA Authorization – Allows doctors to share medical info with you
✔️ Durable Power of Attorney – Lets you assist with finances or legal matters if needed

These are easy documents to put in place now—and they can make a big difference if the unexpected happens.

As college plans start coming together, it’s a great time to plan ahead. 🎓
Reach out to our office if you’d like help getting these documents in order.

12/01/2025

🌟 THE 30-SECOND WILL AUDIT CHALLENGE 🌟
Let’s see how your estate plan holds up 👇

Take 30 seconds and answer YES or NO to these 5 questions:

1️⃣ Is your will less than 5 years old?
2️⃣ Does it include ALL of your current beneficiaries?
3️⃣ Have your kids grown or your family changed since you signed it?
4️⃣ Have you moved in or out of Massachusetts since then?
5️⃣ Does your plan name backup decision-makers for every role?

If you answered “NO” to even one of these… it might be time for an update!

11/04/2025

Protect Your Loved One’s Future with a Special Needs Trust ❤️

Worried about leaving an inheritance that could jeopardize government benefits like Medicaid or SSI? A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is the solution.

It lets your loved one receive financial support safely—paying for things like therapy, education, transportation, or fun activities—without losing essential benefits.

Setting up an SNT means your family member is cared for now and for years to come.

Planning for a child, sibling, or aging parent with special needs? Let’s make sure their future is secure.

Contact me today to get started.

10/28/2025

Have you thought about what would happen to your pets if something unexpected happened to you?

Our furry (or feathered!) friends depend on us every day, but many people forget to include them in their estate plans. With a little planning, you can make sure your pets are always cared for, whether that means naming a trusted caregiver, setting aside funds for their expenses, or even creating a pet trust.

If you’d like to learn more about how to include your pets in your estate plan, I’d be happy to help you explore your options. 🐶🐱

Call or message me anytime — I love helping families (and their pets!) plan for peace of mind.

10/06/2025

In today’s world, our lives are lived as much online as offline — from cloud photos and emails to social media, online banking, and even cryptocurrency.

But have you thought about what happens to all your digital accounts when you’re gone?

Without clear instructions in your Will or Trust, your loved ones may struggle to access your online accounts — or worse, they could be lost forever. Many companies have strict privacy rules that prevent anyone, even family, from touching a deceased person’s data.

Including digital asset provisions in your estate plan ensures that:
✅ Your executor or trustee knows exactly what digital assets you have.
✅ They have legal authority to access, manage, or close your accounts.
✅ Your photos, files, and online presence are handled according to your wishes.

Your digital life deserves the same care as your physical assets. 💻📱✨

If you want to make sure your digital legacy is protected, let’s talk about adding digital asset language to your Will or Trust.

09/16/2025

Many parents assume that naming someone as a godparent automatically gives them the legal right to care for your child if something happens to you. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

👉 A godparent is a spiritual or cultural role — but it does not create legal guardianship.
👉 To ensure your wishes are followed, you must name a guardian for your children in your will.
👉 Without this, a judge will decide who raises your children, which may not align with your wishes.

💡 Estate planning isn’t just about assets — it’s about protecting your family and making sure your children are cared for by the people you trust most.

If you’d like to learn more about naming a guardian in your will, I’d be happy to walk you through the process.