How to Transfer a Parent’s House After an Intestate Death in Massachusetts
Transferring a Parent’s House After an Intestate Death in Massachusetts Short answer: If your parent died without a will in Massachusetts, the house usually passes through probate under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (M.G.L. c. 190B). A personal representative (administrator) must be appointed by the Probate and Family Court, debts and taxes must be handled, […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Steps to Take Over a Deceased Parent’s Mortgage
Detailed Answer This section explains, under Massachusetts law, what typically happens to a home mortgage after a homeowner dies and what steps a person who inherits the house should take to “take over” payments or formally assume the loan. This is general information and not legal advice. How mortgages and title interact after a homeowner […]
Read article →Proving Parentage for Inheritance in Massachusetts
Detailed Answer Short summary: In Massachusetts you can prove a biological relationship to a deceased parent for inheritance purposes by establishing parentage through DNA testing (including post‑mortem testing or testing of close relatives), formal court proceedings in the Probate and Family Court, or by presenting other admissible evidence showing the parent–child relationship. The Probate and […]
Read article →Massachusetts: How to Protect an Inheritance When a Family Member Contests the Estate
Detailed Answer Short summary: In Massachusetts, you can take several concrete steps to protect an inheritance if a family member contests the estate. Act quickly to preserve assets, document the decedent’s intent, and use the Probate and Family Court processes (or alternative dispute resolution) to resolve the contest. This article explains how probate works in […]
Read article →How to Become the Administrator of a Sibling’s Intestate Estate in Massachusetts
Detailed Answer — How to be appointed administrator of a sister’s estate in Massachusetts when there is no will Short answer: If your sister died without a will (intestate), you can ask the Probate and Family Court in the county where she lived to appoint you as the personal representative (commonly called the administrator for […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in Massachusetts
Notifying Heirs When You Open Probate in Massachusetts This FAQ explains what notices you generally must send to notify heirs and other interested persons when you open a probate case in Massachusetts. It summarizes common court practices, how to identify who must be notified, acceptable delivery methods, and practical steps you can follow. This is […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Finalizing Probate with an Outdated Will and Getting Authority to Sell Estate Property
Overview This FAQ-style guide explains how someone in Massachusetts can complete probate when a decedent's will appears outdated and how a personal representative can obtain authority to sell estate real property. The article summarizes the common steps, documents you will need, and the typical court actions that give a representative the legal power to transfer […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Selling a Home With a Reverse Mortgage When the Lender Requests Renunciation Letters
What to do when a reverse mortgage lender asks for renunciation letters before a sale This FAQ-style answer explains common reasons a reverse mortgage lender requests renunciation letters in Massachusetts, what those letters usually mean, safe ways to respond, and practical next steps you can take so the property can be sold. Detailed Answer Short […]
Read article →Massachusetts: What to Do If an Heir Refuses to Renounce So You Can Serve as Personal Representative
When a Higher‑Priority Heir Won't Renounce: Practical Steps in Massachusetts Probate This FAQ explains what renunciation means under Massachusetts law and what you can do if a higher‑priority person (for example, an uncle) refuses to sign a renunciation so you can qualify as the personal representative. This is educational only and not legal advice. Detailed […]
Read article →How to Set Up an Annuity for a Child’s Settlement in Massachusetts
Setting up an annuity for settlement funds held for a child: A practical Massachusetts guide Note: This article explains general processes under Massachusetts practice. It is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a Massachusetts attorney and a licensed insurance professional before taking action. Detailed answer — how the process usually works […]
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