Probate is the legal process where the court validates the deceased person's will and determines the distribution of assets according to the will or state law if no will exists. Probate ensures that there are no debts left debts before distributing assets to...
probate
5 common probate mistakes and how to avoid them
The legal process of managing a deceased person's estate, known as probate, ensures that debts are settled, and assets are allocated according to the deceased's will or state law. In Massachusetts, probate can become complex, especially if you are unfamiliar with the...
Who should you choose as your estate executor?
Choosing the right executor for your estate is crucial. This decision can greatly affect your legacy. Remember, this person is responsible for managing your assets after you're gone. Many people just choose their oldest child or closest relative without considering...
How do you handle probate for out-of-state property?
Massachusetts courts can handle the primary probate proceedings for most of the estate. However, if your loved one had property or assets located in other states, you will likely need to start ancillary probate proceedings. What is ancillary probate? Ancillary probate...
MUPC essentials every heir should know
Becoming an heir to your parent’s estate can feel like solving a complex puzzle. You find yourself facing unfamiliar terms, intricate procedures and potentially challenging family dynamics. Add to this the emotional toll of losing a loved one, and the process can seem...
Some tips to avoid probate in Massachusetts
When a loved one passes away, their estate must go through probate. You may believe that if your loved one has a will, you can avoid probate, but that is not necessarily true. Probate is the legal process of settling an estate. This includes validating the will,...
Formal and informal probate in Massachusetts
As you go through the probate process, you may have many questions. One of your first questions might be what type of probate to file. Many people are not even aware that Massachusetts has two different types of probate: formal and informal. Formal probate Formal...
Do I have options if the executor is not following the will?
After a loved one dies, as a beneficiary of their estate, grief and loss is your primary concern. However, as you work through that process, your rights in that loved one’s estate become clearer. And, in the aftermath of a loved one’s passing, the executor holds a...
Contesting a will in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, as in most other states, a person’s will is supposed to settle all questions about the disposition of the maker’s assets. In some situations, however, a will can create conflict instead of eliminating it. If a relative of the decedent feels unfairly...
Why do people plan to avoid probate?
Those who read this legal blog regularly likely know about probate. For the uninitiated, probate is the legal process of settling an individual’s estate after death. It often poses challenges, such as time delays, expenses and the loss of privacy. As a result,...