Did you know that the average cost to go through probate is around $15,000 to $20,000? That’s an expensive fee for a situation that can be completely avoided. As someone who is putting together an estate plan now, one of the things you’ll want to do is to talk to your...
The Benefits of a Power of Attorney
When creating an estate plan, you’ll probably think long and hard about what will happen to your assets upon your death. You may not spend nearly as much time learning more about the ways you can protect yourself while you’re alive. This is where a power of attorney...
Should I probate a will alone or hire an attorney?
The internet is full of articles that suggest probating a will is easy. Yet, just as you can find articles telling you how to do almost anything in five easy steps, the truth is somewhat different. Probate is a legal process. Unless you studied law, you are unlikely...
What taxes are due for a deceased person in Massachusetts?
A person's debts do not go away after he or she dies. Creditors could file claims against the estate. If solvent, the estate may need to settle the debts, including ones related to local and federal taxes. Estate heirs and trust beneficiaries in Massachusetts may...
Estate Administration And The Fiduciary Duty
On its face, estate administration seems rather simple. After all, it is merely the process of handling an estate, ensuring that assets and debts are handled in accordance with estate planning documents and in compliance with the law. Yet, oftentimes disputes arise between estate administrators and beneficiaries. These disagreements can lead to probate litigation.
Overview of the Probate Process
By: Sandra MacGregor O’Brien, Esq. If you have not established a Trust as a part of your estate plan, you may find yourself dealing with the Probate Court when a loved one dies. Probate is a legal process initiated in the Probate Court that may be required after...
Avoiding probate of your home
When it comes to planning for the future, there are many things Massachusetts keep in mind. One focal point in an estate plan is to avoid probate. This process is known to me time consuming and costly. Additionally, it could cause heirs to dispute over certain assets...
What happens if a person dies without a will?
Like other states, Massachusetts has laws which determine how an estate gets distributed when someone dies without a will. These laws also apply when a person has a will, but the will is deemed invalid under the laws of this state. In some cases, a will may be valid...
Working through the probate process in Massachusetts
The death of a close friend or loved one can be a difficult time for any Massachusetts resident. However, what if the deceased person named you as the personal representative of the estate in his or her will? Many people may think that things just got even harder due...
Challenges for those who administer a loved one’s estate
In Massachusetts, as elsewhere, it can be difficult to administer the estate of a deceased loved one. While there are professional executors out there who may be of benefit, especially when dealing with unreasonable heirs, one may nonetheless wish to handle the...