Massachusetts — How to Buy Out Siblings’ Shares in a Parent’s House (Avoid a Probate Sale)
Buying out your siblings’ shares in a parent’s Massachusetts home: a clear, practical guide This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, how someone in Massachusetts can buy out co‑owners’ shares in a parent’s home instead of forcing a sale through probate. It assumes no prior legal knowledge. Disclaimer This information is educational only and not […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Filing a Partition Action or Petition for Sale of Inherited Real Estate When Some Heirs Are Minors
Overview This article explains how to begin and pursue a partition action or a petition to sell inherited real estate in Massachusetts when some heirs are minors. It outlines the statutory framework, practical steps, how minors are protected, and what to expect from the courts. This is general information and not legal advice. Detailed Answer […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Recovering Money Withdrawn from a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account or Credit Cards
What Happens When an Heir Withdraws Money From a Deceased Parent’s Accounts in Massachusetts? Detailed answer — who owns the money and how the estate can recover it When a person dies in Massachusetts, ownership of their bank accounts and responsibility for their debts depends on the account type and how title is held. If […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Appointing a Guardian ad Litem for Minor Heirs Before Selling Inherited Land
Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not legal advice. For decisions about a specific estate or property sale, consult a qualified Massachusetts probate attorney. Short answer Yes. In Massachusetts you can ask the court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to protect the legal interests of minor heirs when their inherited real […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Getting Court Approval to Sell an Inherited Home When Co-Owners Include Minors
How to get court approval to sell a home inherited by co-owners when one or more owners are minors Short answer: In Massachusetts you usually need the Probate and Family Court’s approval before selling real estate that is owned (or partially owned) by a minor. The process typically requires appointment of a fiduciary for the […]
Read article →Massachusetts Guide: What to Include When Filing a Year's Allowance Petition
Filing a year’s allowance petition in Massachusetts: what to include and how it works Detailed answer — what a year’s allowance is and the core items your petition must include In Massachusetts a “year’s allowance” (often called a family allowance or allowance for support) is a short-term court-ordered payment from a decedent’s estate to help […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Practical Steps to Handle a Parent's Estate
Detailed Answer When a parent dies in Massachusetts, you will typically follow a set process to collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute what remains. Below are clear, practical steps you can take. This is an overview of common procedures under Massachusetts law; specific facts may change which exact steps apply. 1. Secure immediate […]
Read article →Switching to a Small Estate Process in Massachusetts: Practical Steps and When to Consider It
Detailed Answer — How to switch to a Massachusetts small‑estate or summary process Quick summary: Massachusetts law and court practice differ from other states. If you started a formal probate or claimed a family/year’s allowance and later discover the estate is small enough for a summary or small‑estate collection procedure, you can often switch to […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Paying Back Taxes on Inherited Land When You're Not on the Deed
Detailed Answer If you pay back taxes on land that was inherited but your name is not on the recorded deed, paying the taxes will protect the property from a municipal tax foreclosure and preserve its value — but it does not by itself make you the legal owner. Your payment creates certain practical and […]
Read article →Who Inherits and Who Owns the Property After a Grandparent Dies — Massachusetts
Detailed Answer This guide explains how to find the rightful heirs and who owns real property after a grandparent dies in Massachusetts. It describes the practical steps you can take, the difference between probate and non‑probate transfer, how intestacy works in general, and where to go for official records. This is educational information only and […]
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