How can a beneficiary compel an estate administrator to pay an inheritance share in Massachusetts?
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are a beneficiary under a will or the intestacy laws of Massachusetts and the estate administrator (also called a personal representative) has not paid your inheritance share, you can use the Massachusetts Probate Code to compel distribution. […]
Read article →How does intestate succession work in Massachusetts when there is no spouse and two children?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to address your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Massachusetts’ Uniform Probate Code (see G.L. c.190B §2-101), a person who dies without a valid will—intestate—has their estate distributed by law. When the decedent has no surviving spouse but […]
Read article →How Does Intestate Succession Work in Massachusetts When No Will Exists and the Decedent Had No Spouse and Three Children?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When a person dies without a valid will in Massachusetts—known as dying intestate—and leaves no surviving spouse but has three children, state law dictates that the entire estate passes equally to the children. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 190, Section […]
Read article →How can the Slayer statute rule affect an heir’s right to inherit from a decedent’s estate in Massachusetts?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer Under Massachusetts law, the “slayer statute” prevents anyone who unlawfully and intentionally kills a decedent from inheriting from that person’s estate. Massachusetts codified this rule in M.G.L. c.190B, § […]
Read article →How does title transfer for an inherited home when there is no will and multiple heirs in Massachusetts?
How to Transfer Title for an Inherited Home with No Will and Multiple Heirs in Massachusetts Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When someone dies without a will in Massachusetts, the state’s intestacy laws govern how property passes to heirs. The process involves several key […]
Read article →Can I Appeal a Probate Court Decision Removing a Personal Representative in MA?
Detailed Answer What Is a Personal Representative? In Massachusetts, a personal representative manages an estate after someone dies. They pay debts, distribute assets and file tax returns. The court appoints them under M.G.L. c. 215. All interested parties can petition to remove a personal representative under M.G.L. c. 215, § 28 if they act improperly […]
Read article →How do I determine who the intestate heirs are of my father's estate in Massachusetts?
Detailed Answer When someone dies without a valid will (“intestate”), Massachusetts law sets a specific order for distributing assets. See M.G.L. c.190B §2-101. 1. Identify the Surviving Spouse If the decedent was married and the spouse survived, the spouse may inherit all or a portion of the estate. Under §2-102, the spouse’s share depends on […]
Read article →Does the personal representative have to provide me a copy of the accounting in a probate matter in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Massachusetts law, a personal representative (formerly called an executor or administrator) must file accountings of the estate with the Probate and Family Court. These accountings include annual […]
Read article →How to Determine What Assets Remain in an Estate After Paying Debts and Fees in Massachusetts
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer After a person dies in Massachusetts, the appointed personal representative (executor) must settle the estate’s liabilities before distributing assets to beneficiaries. Follow these steps to determine what remains: 1. Identify […]
Read article →What options exist for a personal representative with limited funds for handling creditor claims in Massachusetts?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney. Understanding Creditor Claims in Massachusetts Probate As a personal representative in Massachusetts with limited funds, you must follow statutory procedures to notify creditors, manage claims, and protect yourself from personal liability. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter […]
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