Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Probate legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Massachusetts Probate Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My late father has unclaimed money being held by the Commomwealth of Mass. I understand he may have died in debt

1) If I claim the money do I also assume the debt?

2) If so, can the debt be for more than the claim?

3) He was divorced at the time of his passing. Would an ex-wife be considered a surviving spouse? She passed after him

Travis Jackson
Travis Jackson pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 15, 2024

To claim the money you will need to be Personal Representative or Voluntary Administrator (for smaller estates) of his Estate. If you are, you will not assume his debt individually, the Estate would, the Estate needs to pay liabilities prior to distributing to its beneficiaries. If you have been... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi and so my parents had some money in the bank my sister took when parents died. I believe a portion of it is mine.

And so what do I do?

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the situation with your parents' estate. In cases where you believe you are entitled to a portion of your parents' money that was taken by your sister, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Review the Will and Estate Plan...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi and so my parents had some money in the bank my sister took when parents died. I believe a portion of it is mine.

And so what do I do?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 26, 2024

It sounds like a difficult situation you're facing. If you believe you are entitled to a portion of your parents' money that your sister took, you should start by gathering any documents that show your entitlement. This might include your parents' will, bank statements, or any other... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Looking for any & all legal arguments that the executor of an estate has standing to contest legality of a foreclosure

Named executor thru probate court. Sole heir to the estate. Bank itself has never challenged standing in multiple complaints filed against them (a 3rd party is trying to). Bank seems to have listed me on all correspondence and foreclosure related court filings. Successor in interest form was also... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jun 25, 2024

I would think an executor does have standing to contest a foreclosure but what is the basis of the objection? Did the bank fail to advertise, fail to advertise adequately, fail to hold a public auction, fail to comply with statutes relating to foreclosure, fail to conduct the foreclosure sale... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I lived with my partner, for over three years ,he came down. with stage 4 cancer . can I go after the estate .

my partner wanted me to have money to move on when he passed ,he left instructions with his only son to take care of me i had 3 months to move out ,which i did. know he want honor his fathers wishes ,he dyed in my arms in his home like he wanted and I have no closer ,can I go after his estate ,I... View More

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 2, 2024

In Massachusetts, if you were in a committed relationship with your partner for over three years and he expressed his intention for you to be taken care of after his passing, you may have legal grounds to pursue a claim against his estate. However, the success of such a claim would depend on... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I am in Massachusetts and want to sell my half of real property inherited to my sister. But for her to do that I need

to hold the mortgage until interest rates come down. Is a mortgage deed the best way to do this?

Phil A. Taylor
Phil A. Taylor
answered on Jan 15, 2024

Your question is not clear. Generally, two persons cannot be forces to hold title to real property together. When one wants to sell, and the other does, not a Petition to Partition is filed and the court will then appoint a commissioner either divide the land, if possible to do so, or to sell the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My mother passed and left $6000 in an annuity. The bank will not accept Voluntary Administration form I completed.

They said MA requires more but can't tell me what? They are looking for a TIN and Entity or Estate name. There is no estate name.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 16, 2023

This is a difficult time to lose a parent, I extend my condolences. Here are a few tips:The estate name is Estate of..., which is your late mother's name. They also want you to obtain a Federal Taxpayer ID from the IRS for the Estate of your mother as the Social Security number cancels at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My ex has end stage dementia-I am his POA/HCP-hold mortgage on 1/2 house he shares-Can I get lieu deed before he dies?

I have never been paid any interest & want to keep family property safe. I have already paid off one other foreclosure on the property to keep it safe. It is shared (TIC) with his niece. I do not want to force sale of the property when he dies to get my money, so would like to deal with this... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Aug 1, 2023

So I understand correctly, your ex owns the house as tenants in common with his niece and you have a mortgage on his interest in the property only. You propose to accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure of his interest in the house. Following such a transfer, you will be tenants in common with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello, my mother passed away 6/11/2023. My step dad is not saying a word but she had a will and life insurance.

I do not want to ask. I feel luke he'd say so. Shw worked 50 years for Boston Medical center. Shed always say she was leaving me this and that but i didint want to hear it. Is there a way to find out because i know my mom would wame to figure this out. I have her death certi,, ss.t

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 26, 2023

A Massachusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. This is not an insurance bad faith matter (the category chosen for the post). It is closer to Probate or Estate Planning. Attorneys who practice in those areas deal with wills. Not all questions get answered... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Grandfather passed last year. No will has been filed in probate.

My parent has not been able to see the will of her father. He passed away over a year ago. Grandfather told me I have an inheritance as does my parent (his child). Now that he has passed, I am worried his other children, or his living widow; have taken our portion of the inheritance. We contacted... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 10, 2023

Was grandfather a Massachusetts resident at his death? Assuming so, and that he died intestate, the widow ( sounds like she is not your mother's mother) and your Mom and your Mom's siblings are heirs. There is a process to pursue to commence an intestate estate and since it seems that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Good day, staff: A question regarding objections, please?

I'm executor for mom's estate. LENGTHY and ASCERBIC going all the way.

If the six objectors (also heirs) contest the final estate accounting and it goes to another level, who is responsible for any probate or legal fees? Does it cost the objectors or does any cost come from the... View More

Michael M Marques
Michael M Marques
answered on Jun 25, 2023

First, the interested parties must allege sufficient legal grounds to challenge the will. Sufficient grounds may include a) undue influence; b) lack of capacity; c) fraud; or d) improper execution. If those elements are met, a petition can be filed to formally contest the will. The interested... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Does IRS get notified if a house goes through probate?

If the estate puts a house through probate, but none of the estate holders want the place, as another family member owns the other 2/3, no money is exchanged. The only reason we are going through probate is to remove my grandmother's name from the deed so I can refinance my mortgage

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jun 5, 2023

You should speak to a lawyer on this because real estate has substantial value and you should obtain individualized advice.

For your convenience only, for decedents dying after 2018, there is no federal estate tax on gross estates valued at less than $11,180,000.00. There is no...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: If a family member is a will's executor, how soon do they have to execute it? It's been 7 yrs. Do I have any recourse?

The executor is sitting on (holding) all the non-monetary assets of the will, even actively preventing access to the inherited home and property by holding all of the keys. She is also the primary heir.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on May 25, 2023

Is this decedent a Massachusetts resident? If so and the Will has not been probated, then those who have priority on the intestacy ladder as the presumption is now that there is no Will unless somehow there is a photocopy of the executed Will which since the named Executor ( Personal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: In Massachusetts is there an agreement that can be filed with the courts for the termination of a domestic relationship?

My domestic partner is looking to end the relationship. We currently own a house together and share bank accounts for the past 3 years. In speaking with the mortgage company I would need a court document stating we are separating and agreeing that I would keep the house for her to be released from... View More

Brian Waller
Brian Waller
answered on Apr 24, 2023

You could file a Petition to Partition in the Probate and Family Court. I have never seen one filed jointly, but I don't see why you couldn't do that, or you could file it as contested then file an agreement for judgment. I believe that could also be filed in Land Court, I am pretty sure... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Lived in parents house for 10yrs after parent passed away; Executor; sold for 150K; how much should I give sibling

97K mortgage was paid from 150K; utility, and home maintenance fees.

Mass probate

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 22, 2023

From your question, I assume you and one sibling inherited the home, that you continued living in the home for ten years while your sibling did not, that you are the only one who made the payments mentioned, and that you have been an adult for the full ten years.

Determine the fair rental...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: What are steps to take with my mother's estate when she passes away with no will.

My mother and I live in Massachusetts. I have an older brother who lives in NY. My mother is 75 with failing health. My mother owns a house in NY and a house in MA. She has a couple of retirement accounts and has savings and checking accounts. She refuses to get a will. I have asked her to do this... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 31, 2023

Your mother appears to reside in Massachusetts and assuming that is the case she would be intestate and depending upon her marital status and whether you and your brother are the only children she has, you and brother have equal ability to file a Petition for Probate of her estate upon her death.... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I will be receiving a settlement for a suit I filed for wrongful death of my father. It was product liability. I am the

Only heir, my dad died 6 yrs ago with a will naming me sole beneficiary. They have already run complete lien checks to be sure nothing is owed to anyone. I’m going to be receiving a settlement check but they want to put check to the estate of. I called bank and they are telling me I would have to... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 22, 2023

It is surprising there was no Personal Rep appointment in order to proceed with the case. There is a requirement to notice the Estate Recovery Unit of a Probate Petition as there is an automatic lien for Masshealth/Medicaid benefits. Also, the size of the Estate-whether over or under $1,000,000 for... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I will be receiving a settlement for a suit I filed for wrongful death of my father. It was product liability. I am the

Only heir, my dad died 6 yrs ago with a will naming me sole beneficiary. They have already run complete lien checks to be sure nothing is owed to anyone. I’m going to be receiving a settlement check but they want to put check to the estate of. I called bank and they are telling me I would have to... View More

Paul Baker
Paul Baker
answered on Mar 22, 2023

Show your lawyer the will, in which you are named sole beneficiary. Then emphasize that the money is going to end up with you anyway, and that going thru the estate process (filing with the Probate court, advertising your appt. as executor, etc) will be a worthless (and needlessly expensive)... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My neighbor passed in 2016; before her passing she had a will which identified me as the executor of the will.

I did not act on the will because the daughter moved in and I didn't want to upset her. However, the daughter recently passed and now there are no living relatives. Is the mom's will still executable?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 13, 2023

I agree that consulting an Estate attorney concerning this matter would be the route to take. A public forum can only provide some basic information. If you are in possession of the original will and were named the Executor now referred to as Personal Representative, you had a duty to move... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: In Massachusetts, typically how long does an INFORMAL PROBATE, with the deceased's home the only significant asset, take

Can the home be sold by the beneficiaries as soon as the Court has approved the completion of the INFORMAL PROBATE?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 9, 2023

This is actually 2 questions-Time frame for the appointment as Personal Rep to occur and the next question is the time needed to complete estate administration. Depending upon the County and the Judge assigned and the availability of Court Personnel the first question is weeks, the second question... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.