Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What happens if a beneficiary dies before me in Massachusetts?
The Gift Does Not Always Disappear If a beneficiary dies before you, the gift does not always disappear, and it...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Should I use a codicil or write a new will in Massachusetts?
Codicil or New Will You can change a Massachusetts will through a properly executed codicil, but a new will may...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Can I decline to serve as trustee or personal representative in Massachusetts?
Yes, You Can Say No Yes. Being named as trustee or personal representative in Massachusetts does not mean you must...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Who gets the furniture and jewelry when someone dies in Massachusetts?
Belongings Pass by the Plan, Not by Who Gets There First Furniture, jewelry, photographs, and other belongings pass according to...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What happens if an heir cannot be found during probate in Massachusetts?
A Missing Heir Still Has an Inheritance An heir does not lose an inheritance simply because the family cannot find...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What Tax Returns Have to Be Filed After Someone Dies in Massachusetts?
Several Returns, Not One After a death, there may be several different tax returns to consider, and they do not...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Who Pays the Bills Before a Personal Representative Is Appointed in Massachusetts?
The Gap Between the Death and the Appointment The bills do not stop arriving because someone has died, but the...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
What Happens to a Car When Someone Dies in Massachusetts?
Having the Keys Is Not Ownership A car does not automatically become yours because you have the keys, have been...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Can a Personal Representative Sell a House During Probate in Massachusetts?
Yes, With the Right Authority Yes, a personal representative can sell a house during probate in Massachusetts when the representative...
Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Does a Personal Representative Need a Bond in Massachusetts?
A Bond Is Always Filed; Sureties Are the Real Question Yes. Massachusetts generally requires a personal representative to file a...