If you are here to learn about Massachusetts probate after the passing of a loved ones, we first want to say that we are very sorry for your loss. We hope that the information you find on this page will simplify any legal and administrative headaches you might otherwise face during such a difficult time.

With that said, probate in Massachusetts is a court-supervised procedure that helps to ensure the legal transfer of assets from the deceased to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Probate in Massachusetts is also necessary to:

• Prove the validity of the will;

• Appoint someone to manage the estate (the “personal representative”);

• Inventory and appraise the estate property;

• Pay any debts or taxes (including estate taxes);

• Distribute the property as directed by the will - or by state law if there is no will.

WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT PROBATE IN MASSACHUSETTS? WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Many residents in Massachusetts have heard that probate is bad news. It tends to be very expensive, time consuming, and it’s also a public process.

The easiest way to avoid the probate process is to plan. But, if you are now in a situation where you must go through the probate courts to finalize the estate of a loved one, the best thing you can do is get educated and get help to complete the process as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

HOW IS PROBATE STARTED IN MASSACHUSETTS

Although any beneficiary or creditor can initiate probate, normally the person named in the will as the Personal Representative starts the process by filing the original will and a Petition with the court. If there is no will, typically a close relative of the dependent who expects to inherit from the estate will file the Petition.

HOW IS THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE CHOSEN?

If the decedent had a will, the person named as Personal Representative in the will will serve if they are eligible. If that person is unable or unwilling to serve as Personal Representative, or if there is no will, then any interested family member or person can petition the court to be named the Personal Representative.

HOW DOES THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE GET PAID?

Massachusetts law provides that the Personal Representative is entitled to “reasonable compensation” for services rendered.

COULD I BE HELD PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR MAKING A MISTAKE AS A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE?

Being a Personal Representative is a big responsibility. Massachusetts’ probate code contains pages upon pages of complex legal rules and procedures that the Personal Representative must follow during the probate. Also, there are certain deadlines that a Personal Representative must meet in filing papers with the court. If a Personal Representative violates any of these rules, they can be held personally liable for the losses to the estate.

MY LOVED ONE HAD A TRUST. WILL WE NEED TO GO THROUGH PROBATE?

In most cases, no. If your loved one’s assets are owned in the name of the Trust, the family can contact a lawyer who will complete some paperwork and guide the loved ones through the process with ease without the need for court involvement.

Unfortunately, many people who have a Trust think they have it all taken care of. But, time and time again, family members of a recently deceased loved one come into my office to find out they are facing the frustration, expense, and delay of probate even though the person they loved had a trust.

Why is that?

Often the Trust was prepared many years ago and was never updated. And, often, their loved one’s assets were not owned in the name of their Trust. That’s why it is so very important that you carefully choose your estate planning attorney and have regular reviews of your plan and assets. This way, the planning you do now works as planned later.

It’s why we do things so much differently than most other lawyers and law firms here at Dotchin Law.

WHAT ASSETS ARE SUBJECT TO PROBATE?

Assets owned solely in the name of the deceased person are subject to probate. Assets that pass by means of title, such as real estate titled as “Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship,” or bank accounts titled as “Transfer on Death” are not subject to the probate process. Assets that pass by means of a beneficiary designation, such as life insurance or some retirement accounts are also not subject to probate. In some situations, however, assets that would otherwise pass by title or beneficiary designation can be subject to the probate process. Talk to an attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.

HOW IS DISTRIBUTION OF THE ESTATE HANDLED IF THERE IS NO WILL?

If there is no will or trust, the estate will be distributed according to Massachusetts probate and intestate laws.

HOW LONG DOES PROBATE TAKE?

The length of time probate will take depends on several factors. It usually takes 9-12 months, but it can take longer for complex cases.

HOW MUCH DOES PROBATE COST?

Probate costs can be as much as 10% of the estate. This includes court costs, attorney’s fees, fees to the Personal Representative, appraisal fees, etc. The Personal Representative is entitled to “reasonable compensation” for their services.

GETTING HELP: CHOOSING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY FOR YOUR PROBATE CASE

The best way to ensure your probate is done right is to choose your attorney wisely. Do not assume that all attorneys are the same. Too many lawyers only “dabble” in probate and trusts. Don’t choose a lawyer who does probate as a sideline because these lawyers often blunder causing real problems for their clients, and their cases often take longer than those handled by experienced probate lawyers.

You don’t have to use the attorney who prepared the will either. Just because a particular attorney prepared the will, this does not mean that attorney must handle the probate nor are they necessarily the right person for the job. You need to be comfortable with the attorney and confident that they are the right attorney for you. Choosing your probate or trust lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you put in the time and effort to find the right lawyer, you will be rewarded with a skillful guide who will help you navigate the probate process.

CONTACT US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY POST-DEATH ESTATE REVIEW

If you’re ready to get started with the probate process after the passing of a loved one, please call us or use the button below to schedule a complimentary consult to help determine your next best steps. We are here in service to making this all as easy as possible on you.

During the appointment, we will answer all of your questions about probate and guide you and your family through the next best steps. We are committed to helping you administer your loved one’s estate as quickly and efficiently as possible. We look forward to relieving any administrative or legal burdens you may face during this time of loss.