Wills and probate in Massachusetts
In a simplified sense, to probate a will in Massachusetts means to submit it to the court to ensure that all its aspects are properly and legally carried out. While probating a will may not seem like a complex task on the surface, you are likely to run into legal issues that require a wills attorney to resolve if a will has been submitted to the court for probate.
The drawbacks of wills and probate procedures are numerous. Depending upon how many legal issues must be resolved, the process may take months or even years before a conclusion is reached. A wills lawyer in Massachusetts makes the probate process run more smoothly in many ways, such as
- Negotiating with creditors of the deceased
- Holding meetings with family members to discuss the case
- Minimizing any tax obligations that the estate may owe
Filing petitions with the court, representing clients in probate litigation, and even helping to determine if the will is valid are also functions that can be performed by a competent wills lawyer in Massachusetts.
Legal wills & living wills in Massachusetts
A common misunderstanding regarding legal wills is when individuals mistake them for living wills. In Massachusetts, living wills do not consist of lists of items, assets, or property that the deceased wishes to pass onto his or her heirs. Living wills are actually documents written by a person outlining what end-of-life medical care is to be administered should they become unable to make their wishes verbally known when they are ill. Here, the writer of the living will can elect to have or forego treatments such as cardiac resuscitation, feeding tubes, or heroic measures designed to prolong life. This document is also known as an advance directive.
An attorney can help you set down what kind of end-of-life care you want, and they can notify close friends and family members of any decisions you make. That way, if the time ever comes to carry out those decisions, conflict and heartache on the part of your loved ones will be minimized.
Talk to a knowledgeable MA wills lawyer today
If you are considering creating a legal will in Massachusetts, discuss your situation with Nigro, Pettepit & Lucas, LLP. Our probate attorneys are highly qualified to advise clients on all aspects of estate administration and probate litigation, and we offer outstanding results both in and out of the courtroom.
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