Probate in Massachusetts | MA Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How to Manage Estate Administration When Assets Are Located in Multiple Counties or Jurisdictions in MA

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer 1. Choose the Primary Probate Venue Under Massachusetts General Laws c.190B §3-302, you must file the initial probate petition in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. If there is no domicile, you may file in a […]

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What Documents Are Needed to Complete a Massachusetts Small Estate Affidavit for Estate Assets?

Detailed Answer A small estate affidavit in Massachusetts lets a qualifying person collect a decedents personal property (like bank accounts) without full probate. Under Massachusetts General Laws c.190B  3-100, you can use this process when the decedents personal property does not exceed $25,000. To complete the affidavit, gather these documents: Certified Death CertificateObtain at […]

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How to distribute estate assets to heirs using a small estate affidavit process in Massachusetts

Detailed Answer If a Massachusetts resident dies leaving less than $25,000 in personal assets and no pending probate, you may use a small estate affidavit under G.L. c. 190B § 3-707 to collect and distribute property without full probate. This streamlined process lets an heir or beneficiary claim assets directly from banks, brokerages, and other […]

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How to Manage and Prioritize Creditor Claims During Estate Administration in Massachusetts

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney in Massachusetts for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer Managing and prioritizing creditor claims during estate administration in Massachusetts involves five key steps: identifying and notifying creditors, filing and reviewing claims, prioritizing allowed claims under […]

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How to Initiate the Sale of Estate Property to Satisfy Creditor Claims in Massachusetts

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a qualified attorney. Detailed Answer When an estate in Massachusetts lacks sufficient liquid assets to satisfy valid creditor claims, the personal representative (executor or administrator) may need to sell estate property. This process occurs […]

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What options exist for selling or auctioning personal property to reimburse estate expenses and equalize distributions among heirs in MA?

Detailed Answer In Massachusetts, a personal representative (executor or administrator) may sell or auction personal property of an estate to pay debts, reimburse estate expenses, and equalize distributions among heirs. The main law governing these sales is Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 190B §3-708, which allows a personal representative to sell estate property at public or […]

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What procedures ensure estate expenses and creditor claims are addressed before distributing assets to heirs in Massachusetts?

Understanding Massachusetts Probate Procedures for Paying Estate Expenses and Creditor Claims Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified probate attorney for advice tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer Under Massachusetts law, a personal representative (also known as an executor or administrator) must follow specific steps […]

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What steps are needed to access and review information held in an unclaimed property account by nccash.com in Massachusetts

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Massachusetts holds unclaimed property under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 200A. You can access and review information about your unclaimed assets through the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators’ portal at nccash.com, which aggregates data from participating states, including Massachusetts. […]

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How is the fair market value of personal property calculated in a probate case in Massachusetts?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Massachusetts probate law. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific situation. Detailed Answer In Massachusetts probate proceedings, the personal representative must determine the fair market value (FMV) of the decedent’s personal property as of the date of death. The FMV is the […]

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How to Determine Ownership When a Deceased Parent is the Only Name on the Deed in Massachusetts

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not provide legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified attorney. Detailed Answer Under Massachusetts law, when only your deceased parent’s name appears on a recorded deed, the property passes through the probate process or summary administration. Title does not automatically transfer to heirs. Follow […]

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