Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What Happens to Someone’s Debts When They Die in Massachusetts?
When someone dies in Massachusetts, their debts generally become obligations to address through the estate, rather than bills their children...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Who Keeps the Original Will in Massachusetts, and What if It Can’t Be Found?
The original will may be kept by the person who signed it, held by an attorney who has agreed to...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Are Wills Public Record in Massachusetts?
A will filed in a Massachusetts probate case generally becomes part of the public court record, unless access is restricted...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Is There a Deadline to File Probate After Someone Dies in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts generally requires an initial probate or appointment proceeding to be started within three years after someone dies, subject to...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Do IRAs, 401(k)s, and Life Insurance Go Through Probate in Massachusetts?
IRAs, 401(k)s, and life insurance generally avoid probate in Massachusetts when they have an effective beneficiary designation directing payment to...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What’s the Difference Between Informal Probate, Formal Probate, and Voluntary Administration in Massachusetts?
Informal probate, formal probate, and voluntary administration are different Massachusetts procedures for dealing with an estate after someone dies. The...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What Does a Personal Representative Have to Do in Massachusetts?
A personal representative in Massachusetts is responsible for settling the estate of someone who has died, which includes gathering estate...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
How Much Does Probate Cost in Massachusetts?
The cost of probate in Massachusetts depends on what it takes to settle the estate, so there isn’t one price...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
How Much Can an Executor or Trustee Be Paid in Massachusetts?
There Is No Statewide Percentage An executor or trustee in Massachusetts can generally be paid for the work involved, even...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Do You Need a Second Probate If You Own Property Outside Massachusetts?
What Ancillary Probate Is You may need a second probate if you live in Massachusetts and die owning real estate...