If you are going through the Probate process, we are here to help.

If a loved one passed away without a proper estate plan, you may be looking at a lengthy legal process known as probate or estate administration. This is a court-managed process through which the deceased’s assets are managed and distributed. Even if your loved one had a Last Will and Testament, you will likely still have to go through the probate process. Problems can arise during probate, and you do not want to risk losing the assets your loved one wanted you to have. One of our attorneys can represent you during this process to ensure that your loved one’s intentions are honored and that your interests are considered.

When Does an Estate Have to Go Through Probate?

Depending on how your loved one’s assets and property are titled at the time of their death, some or all of their estate may have to go through probate. If the assets are jointly held and there is a right of survivorship, such as with joint bank accounts or the family home, they will pass directly to the joint owner. The same is true for any assets with a named beneficiary, such as a life insurance policy or retirement account. However, a simple Last Will and Testament will have to go through probate to determine if it is valid. 

You will also have to probate the deceased’s estate if you need to:

  • Pay creditors.
  • Get medical records.
  • File tax returns and pay taxes.

Finally, any property that is held only in the deceased’s name without named beneficiaries will have to be probated, even if the assets are included in a valid Will.

How the Probate Process Works

Every personal estate is unique, the probate process will differ slightly from one person to another. In general, however, the process in Massachusetts is as follows:

  • A petition is filed with the proper probate court.
  • A notice is issued to heirs named in the Will or to statutory heirs if no Will exists.
  • A petition is filed for the court to appoint the executor named in the Will or an administrator for the estate if no Will exists.
  • The executor or estate administrator conducts an inventory and appraisal of estate assets.
  • Any debts held by the estate are paid to rightful creditors.
  • Estate assets are sold, if necessary.
  • Estate taxes, if applicable, are paid.
  • Assets are distributed to heirs.

In most cases, the estate must be probated within three years of your loved one’s death. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to probate a simple estate, but complications can arise. It is not uncommon for someone to object to the Will at some point during the probate process, which can mean lengthy and expensive litigation. If several versions of a Will exist or family members dispute their share of an inheritance, the probate process will become much more complicated.

How to Avoid Probate

Once your loved one is gone, there is no way to avoid probate. However, working with an experienced probate attorney can take a lot of the hassle off your plate so you can grieve and support your family at this difficult time.

If you have not yet lost your spouse, or you do not have a Living Trust for your own assets, you can take action now to prevent your family from having to go through probate later on. A well-drafted and properly funded Living Trust can avoid probate altogether for your beneficiaries. If you work with one of our attorneys now, you can protect your assets and save your heirs from the probate process.

Contested Probate Matters: Pursuing What's Rightfully Yours

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional experience, and the complexities of probate can add additional stress during an already challenging time. At Monteforte Law, P.C., we understand that every individual's wishes should be respected, and their assets distributed justly. That's why we're proud to announce our expanded expertise in contested probate matters. The heart of contested probate matters lies in the belief that an estate isn't being administered in alignment with the decedent's true intentions. If you believe that an estate is not being administered in accordance with the decedent's intentions, or if you're facing obstacles in obtaining what is rightfully yours, our experienced team is here to help. We are passionate about ensuring that justice prevails, and we will tirelessly advocate for your rights and interests. Let us guide you through the intricacies of contested probate litigation, so you can achieve the closure and fairness you deserve during these trying times. Your peace of mind matters to us, and we are dedicated to helping you secure what's coming to you.

Allow Us to Help You at This Difficult Time

If you have just lost a spouse or parent, you have a lot to cope with. If that person had no estate plan or just had a simple Will, you are also facing probate. Do not go through that alone.

We are here to meet all of your elder care, estate planning, and probate needs. 

You may have thought that because your loved one had a Will, their assets would pass smoothly on to their heirs upon their death. However, this is usually not the case in Massachusetts. Many types of assets will likely have to go through a difficult court process called probate. One of our experienced probate attorneys can guide you through the process, freeing you up to cope with your loss and attend to your family. 

Unless your loved one had an Irrevocable Living Trust, at least some of their estate will probably have to go through probate before it is distributed to heirs. If there is a Will and someone contests it, the process can be even longer and more burdensome. If you are an executor of an estate or the closest heir, you should hire Monteforte Law, P.C., to help you through this difficult time.


To schedule your Strategic Planning Session, please call our office at 

978-657-7437, or schedule online!

Please note: You will receive a wider range of availability if you schedule by phone.

Nicole Rego
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I enjoy educating people on the importance of estate planning and why everyone should have a plan in place.